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UPDATE: Dumpster fire sparks evacuation of Vernon grocery store

Firefighters snuffed out blaze in a dumpster at the Wholesale Club
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Vernon firefighters extinguish a blaze in a dumpster at the Real Canadian Wholesale Club Wednesday, June 21. The grocery store had to be evacuated during the incident. (Roger Knox - Morning Star)

UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 4:23 p.m.:

Vernon firefighters were called to the scene of a fire in downtown Vernon this afternoon (Wednesday).

At approximately 1:40 p.m., Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) was dispatched to a report of a fire alarm in a large commercial building in the 2500-block of 34th Street. Upon arrival, crews confirmed there was a fire in a trash compactor located outside the building and began actioning the fire.

“Smoke did enter the business, and as a result, the building was evacuated,” said Deputy Chief Alan Hofsink. “However, thanks to the quick and precise action of our firefighters, the fire was contained to a single area and did not extend to the building.”

The fire investigation has now been handed over to the RCMP. There are no reports of injuries.

ORIGINAL STORY

A blaze abutting the Real Canadian Wholesale Club caused some commotion Wednesday afternoon.

Vernon Fire Rescue Services was called to the fire at 1:40 p.m.

“Upon arrival, crews confirmed a fire in a trash compactor located outside the building and began actioning the fire,” said Josh Winquist, City of Vernon communications officer. “Due to heavy smoke the building was evacuated.

“At this time there are no reports of injuries.”

Waste Management was needed to move the industrial-sized garbage bin so firefighters could properly perform their jobs. The fire investigation has been handed over to the RCMP.

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Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

Vernon has always been my home, and I've been working at The Morning Star since 2004.
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