Grey smoke continues to billow from an abandoned house on Highway 97 and 39th Avenue Wednesday morning.
Vernon Fire Rescue Services are on scene Oct. 21 to extinguish the structure fire that broke out before 7:30 a.m.
“The fire is under control, but it is still burning,” City of Vernon communications director Christy Poirier said.
Firefighters have not been able to gain full access to the interior of home, so heavy equipment is being brought in to pull portions of the building apart for better access.
Traffic continues to flow on Highway 97, but is still down to single lane in both directions between 39th and 41st avenues. Motorists are asked to use an alternative north-south route, if possible, and to avoid the area.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. No injuries have been reported at this time.
Multiple fire apparatus and about 15 firefighters are on scene alongside Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, BC Ambulance Service and BC Hydro, the City of Vernon said in a statement Wednesday morning.
Vintage Vernon BC shared some historical images of the home that was built in 1901.
The home was a designated heritage property but was later deleted off the register in 2005, according to Greater Vernon Museum and Archives community engagement coordinator Gwyneth Evans.
The home had fallen in disrepair over the years.
More information to come.
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