Escaped Burning Building Through 3rd-Floor Window

An early morning fire in downtown Vernon, B.C., forced building residents to escape their apartments through a third-floor window Friday.

The blaze was reported shortly after 8:30 a.m., with flames visible from a window near the top of the building.

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Vernon Fire Rescue Cleans Up After Early Morning Blaze

Several residents said thick smoke blocked their exits, leaving them no choice but to attempt escape through a front window three stories up. Vernon Fire Rescue crews arrived quickly and used a ladders to rescue tenants and their pets.

The apartments are located in a mixed use building above Oh Kim Restaurant and Kintec Footwear & Orthotics in the 3100 block of 30th Avenue.

Officials say all residents have been accounted for. It’s believed, though not confirmed, that several people were treated for smoke inhalation.