UPDATE: Jan. 6, 2025:

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP have a wary feeling about Friday's vehicle fire at a downtown Vernon apartment complex 

RCMP said in a release Monday, Jan. 6, the fire appears to have originated from a vehicle parked in a carport and spread to another vehicle as well as to the nearby apartment complex. Vernon Fire Rescue quickly suppressed the fire; however, both vehicles were heavily damaged and the building sustained minor damage. The building’s occupants were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported by anyone involved.

At this time, the fire is being considered suspicious, said Cpl. Tania Finn, media relations officer with the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. Frontline officers canvassed the area for any video surveillance and we continue to investigate the incident.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP non-emergency line of 250-545-7171. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leaving a tip online at . You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information that leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.

ORIGINAL STORY

An early morning vehicle fire that spread into a downtown apartment left residents out in the cold Friday.

The blaze was sparked around 7 a.m. at the rear of the building near the Schubert Centre Jan. 3.

"No injuries have been reported and we've just accounted for all the residents," said deputy fire chief Alan Hofsink.

Emergency Social Services is on route to assist the approximately 30 to 40 residents, some of which have mobility issues. 

Single-lane alternating traffic is opening on 30th Avenue, which was closed for several hours while crews contained the blaze and sanding was needed on the icy road.

It's unknown how long residents will be displaced as smoke, water and fire damage is assessed.

"It could be a day, could be a couple days," said Hofsink.

One of the residents of the building, whose car was also destroyed in the blaze, says the vehicles weren't plugged in and he suspects arson.

"I got out with just my boots and no socks, my teeth are still on the counter," he told The Morning Star.

"I just wanna get back in and get my teeth."