Fire crews battle a townhouse fire in the 4200 block of 20 Street in Vernon, Monday, July 18, 2022.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Katie McBride
July 19, 2022 - 2:07 PM
Vernon RCMP has arrested a 41-year-old man in relation to a fire that gutted a townhouse last night.
According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, evidence suggests the fire was intentionally lit and the 41-year-old was arrested this morning, July 19.
The fire broke out in the Harwood area late in the evening.
Firefighters were dispatched to the blaze at the 4200-block of 20 Street at roughly 11 p.m. and discovered heavy smoke and fire coming from the middle unit of a three-plex townhouse.
"The first arriving firefighters made entry to the townhouse and initiated an interior fire attack," Vernon Fire Rescue chief David Lind said in a media release. "The crews successfully contained the fire to the single unit and knocked the fire down quickly, preventing it from spreading to the adjacent units. There is substantial fire and smoke damage to the townhouse."
No one was inside any of the three townhomes when the fire broke out and no injuries were reported.
There were reports of an explosion and a front window was shattered on the townhouse.
"The cause of the fire, believed to be suspicious, has not been determined at this time," Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Chris Terleski said in the release. "Police have secured the location to allow for a full scene examination and the collection of any physical evidence to support the ongoing investigation."
The 41-year-old man remains in custody awaiting a future court appearance.
Vernon RCMP is asking anyone with information about the fire or who may have witnessed any suspicious activity to call the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-545-7171 and quote police file 2022-12330.
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