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Abandoned house goes up in flames in Vernon

Single-lane traffic remains in effect on Highway 97 in both directions
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Vintage Vernon BC shared an image of the house on Highway 97 and 39th Avenue taken in 1911. The photo, which was contributed by the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives shows the home 10 years after it was built. Dolly McClusky, a resident of the home, is seen standing on the porch. (Vintage Vernon BC - Facebook)

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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Caitlin.clow@vernonmorningstar.com

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Vernon Fire Rescue crews battle a house fire on the corner of Highway 97 and 39th Avenue Wednesday morning. For a video of the blaze visit the Vernon Morning Star Facebook page or vernonmorningstar.com. (Jennifer Smith - Morning Star)
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Vernon firefighters battle a house fire from multiple angles on the corner of Highway 97 and 39th Avenue Oct. 21. (City of Vernon photo)