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.

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.