(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
February 08, 2021 - 12:02 PM
Vernon firefighters extinguished ablaze this morning in Polson Park, after a tent someone was living in caught fire.
Just after 9 a.m. Feb. 8, Vernon Fire Rescue Services received multiple reports of a tent on fire in Polson Park. The tent was located near the railroad tracks behind the Polson Place Mall.
According to a City of Vernon media release, crews quickly extinguished the fire and stopped it from spreading to nearby trees in the park. There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire.
"The fire was contained to a small area of the park and no nearby structures were at risk," deputy fire Chief Dwight Seymour said in the release. "An investigation indicates the fire was started from a camp stove that was inside the tent. It appears an individual who was living in the tent was using the stove to keep warm and woke up to the fire."
The release says fire crews requested social service agencies to attend the scene to offer assistance to the individuals involved if possible.
"The Okanagan has experienced a very warm and mild winter so far this year," Seymour said. "With much colder temperatures in the forecast this week, we anticipate residents will start using more heat sources such as electric heaters, fireplaces and stoves. Everyone is reminded to use extra caution with these devices and follow manufacturer's instructions."
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