A column of thick black smoke could be seen from all over Vernon early Monday afternoon.
Shortly after 2 PM fire dispatch started receiving multiple calls to 911. At first, callers believed there was a car fire on Highway 97 just south of the 27th Street exit. Upon arrival, Vernon Fire Rescue confirmed it was a tent burning in a homeless camp just west of Highway 97 and 27th Street overpass.
Vernon Fire Rescue quickly doused the blaze. BX Swan Lake Fire Hall and the RCMP were also dispatched.
Highway 97 was down to one lane in each direction for a short time.
No cause for the fire or reports of injuries. A person living in a nearby camp said he heard popping and a loud bang just before he spotted the fire.
Tags: Thick Black Smoke Seen Over Vernon