232807

Vernon  

Massive blaze accidental

The cause of the massive fire that gutted a one-storey office building in Vernon last week will officially be marked as undetermined.

But officials are ruling out arson in the blaze that sent black smoke billowing over the city June 30.

The fire gutted the 48th Avenue structure that housed the Social Development Ministry office and North Okanagan Foot and Ankle.

Vernon Fire Rescue deputy fire chief Lawrie Skolrood said the fire was accidental.

“It's not suspicious at all from what we found,” he said, adding video and other evidence show the fire started on the roof.

“It was accidental, that is one thing we are sure of.”

The ministry shifted its daily operations to the Service BC centre at 3201 30th Street in downtown Vernon, where clients will be able to pick up their cheques and have other immediate needs addressed.

A sign near the fire site has also been erected, directing people where to go and who to call.



More Vernon News



229228