Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Shawn C. Goodison

A large fire that gutted a commercial building in downtown Vernon this morning is suspicious.

Vernon Fire Rescue was called at roughly 2:30 a.m. today, July 4, to a structure fire in the 2800 block of 30 Street and they found multiple buildings on fire.

A restaurant, boutique, salon and costume shop are among the businesses believed to have been destroyed.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK: Scott Be Wildin

The single-storey complex has been heavily damaged, prompting the owner of the Okanagan Eatery, one of the affected businesses, to post a photo of the flames online, writing, "Wow, no words. Guess that's it."

Vernon fire crews confirm that one structure containing multiple businesses was involved in the fire.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK: Sparks. D

"The roof of the structure that was involved with fire has collapsed, making it difficult for firefighters to attack the interior of the building,” deputy fire chief Alan Hofsink said in a media release. "Heavy equipment is now being brought down to the site to assist with tearing down walls. This will help crews gain better access to the interior so they can attack hot spots. Crews will remain on scene for several more hours."

BC Hydro is restoring power to buildings that lost power during the fire and City crews are clearing storm drains of debris.

"At this time, no injuries have been reported. The fire is suspected to be suspicious and Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is leading the investigation," Hofsink said.

Residents in the Kekuli Centre apartments have been evacuated as a precaution.

The fire department has also closed several roads including:

• 30 Street between 25 Avenue (Highway 6) and 30 Avenue
• 29 Street between 28 and 30 Avenues
• 27A Avenue between Highway 6 and 28 Avenue

The City says the size of the fire has blown heavy smoke across the city and advises residents to turn off air conditioners and close windows if they notice smoke entering their homes.

The Ministry of Environment and Interior Health have issued an air quality advisory for Vernon due to "high concentrations of fine particulate matter" in the smoke from the blaze.

Image Credit: City of Vernon

— With files from The Canadian Press

— This story was updated at 10:19 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, 2023, to include more information from the City of Vernon.

— This story was updated at 11:-1 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, 2023, to include information about the air quality advisory.

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