An Emergency Response Centre (ERC) located on 37th Street has been evacuated Sunday evening (October 18).
At approximately 5:20 p.m., Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) was called to the 2500 block of 37th Street for a report of a fire. Upon arrival, firefighters reported seeing smoke from the exterior of the building and several people were standing outside. Firefighters found a small fire in the office portion of the building and extinguished it quickly.
Everyone was evacuated from the facility and no injuries were reported during the incident. Displaced individuals are now receiving assistance through the City’s Emergency Support Services (ESS) program.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it does not appear to be suspicious,” said Deputy Chief Scott Hemstad. “Thanks to the quick action of the staff on site and the responding firefighters, damage to the building was contained to the interior and was minimized. The facility will remain inaccessible for a period of time.”
BC Housing and Turning Points Collaborative (TPC) Society have requested assistance from the City of Vernon to provide a temporary location for up to 86 evacuees. The Creekside Conference Centre has been set up as an evacuation centre with supplies from TPC and the City’s ESS program. TPC staff and security are on site.
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