Vernon Man’s Clothing Catches Fire at Vernon Petro-Can Station

December 8 2025 - Vernon Emergency crews were called to a Petro-Can on Highway 97 at 39th Avenue shortly after 10 a.m. Monday after a man experiencing homelessness allegedly set some of his clothing on fire.

Witnesses reported seeing the man’s pants briefly burn before the flames were extinguished.

Vernon Fire Rescue Services, RCMP, and BC Ambulance responded to the scene. The man was assessed and taken away by paramedics.

One responder was seen carrying what appeared to be a pair of charred pants as the man was loaded into a BC Ambulance.

With colder weather settling in, there has been an increasing number so called “warming fires” reported.

It is not known whether Monday’s incident was related to a warming fire or caused by something else.

Vernon continues to navigate homelessness challenges. According to the 2025 Point-in-Time Count conducted in April, 199 people were identified as experiencing homelessness in the city, 114 sheltered and 85 unsheltered.

This represents a 29% decrease from 2023.

No further details on the man’s condition have been released.