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Vernon  

Kin Race Track fire

UPDATE 10 A.M. - It could be several days before fire investigators are able to determine the cause of a blaze that destroyed the grandstand at Vernon's Kin Race Track.

The fire was reported about 11 p.m. Wednesday evening just hours after KISS-FM reported racing this month had been cancelled due to electrical issues in the grandstands.

As for the fire itself, Vernon Fire Department Deputy Chief, Jack Blair, says the scene is too unstable to allow investigators to get a close look.

"Investigators will probably have to get machines in to assist with demolishing the building piece by piece. That will help in their determination of fire cause and origin," says Blair.

"Due to the severity of the fire and intensity of the fire there are lots of structural components that are iffy."

It's a process that could take several days.

In the meantime, Blair says investigators and RCMP are trying to determine if there may be a link between this fire and several arsons in the city in recent weeks.

"Obviously with the rash (fires) we have had it's the first thing people are going to think about, but it's just too early to say that."

Kin Race Track Fire


Vernon fire crews had to fight a fire at Kin Race Track Wednesday night.

Witnesses say part of the grandstand was fully engulfed by the time firefighters arrived.

The fire was reported just after 11 p.m., flames could be seen coming from the structure.

The track is located at 3501 43rd Avenue, behind Kal Tire Place.

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