UPDATE: Fire ‘completely destroys’ gymnastics building in Vernon; demolition underway

UPDATE: 3:00 p.m.

A major fire at the North Valley Gymnastics building is now out, but officials are confirming the entire building was destroyed, and the process to demolish it has already begun.

No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The following is the latest update as provided by the City of Vernon at 3:00 p.m.:

Firefighters have extinguished a major structure fire that took place in a gymnastics facility on 31st Street this morning (Sunday).

Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) was called to a report of a structure fire at approximately 7:15 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found the building was heavily involved. Due to the nature of the fire, firefighters had to use a defensive approach to contain the blaze and keep it from spreading to adjacent properties.

“Crew members worked quickly and diligently, and did a very good job of containing this large fire,” said Deputy Fire Chief Alan Hofsink. “Unfortunately though, the entire building has been lost. We now have an excavator on site to demolish the portions of the walls that were still standing. This is being done for safety and to mitigate the risk of flare ups or hot spots.”

Approximately 20 firefighters responded to the scene, as well as the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, BC Hydro and FortisBC.

“The cause of fire is not known at this time and an investigation is underway,” said Deputy Chief Hofsink. “We would like to extend sincere condolences to the owners, coaches, members and participants of the gymnastics club for this great loss.”

No injuries have been reported and no further information is available at this time. (end of news release)

The gymnastics club fundraised and got government grants to pay for its building which opened a few years ago. Part of it was a former industrial building.

“We are heartbroken by the fire that has completely destroyed our building,” said a posting on the North Valley Gymnastics Society website. “We will be in touch with our NVGS families in the next few weeks. Thank you to our gymnastics community and Vernon for their support and patience.”

==

UPDATE: 12:00 p.m.

The North Valley Gymnastics building was gutted by a fire this morning.

“We are heartbroken by the fire that has completely destroyed our building,” said a posting on the organization’s website. “We will be in touch with our NVGS families in the next few weeks. Thank you to our gymnastics community and Vernon for their support and patience.”

The blaze broke out around 7:15 a.m. Sunday at the building on 31st Street next to Chaser’s Bottle Depot.

Video of fire scene on 31st Street (Vernon Matters/YouTube)

The northern part of the complex appears extensively damaged.

There has been no word on the cause.

Fire crews were still on the scene as of 12:00 p.m. with RCMP blocking off traffic.

The gymnastics club fundraised and got government grants to pay for its building which opened a few years ago. Part of it  was a former industrial building.

==

Gymnastics building fire in Vernon’s north end
Oct 31, 2021 | 8:35 AM

Flames erupted from a building in north Vernon this morning.

Vernon Fire Rescue and RCMP are on the scene of the blaze at the North Valley Gymnastics building, in the 4700 block of 31st Street beside Chaser’s Bottle Depot.

Fortunately no injuries have been reported.

The City of Vernon issued a news release at 8:47 a.m., saying at approximately 7:15 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to a report of a fire at a gymnastics studio in the 4700-block of 31st Street. Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed the building was already heavily involved.

“At this time, it is too dangerous for crews to enter the building so we are using a defensive strategy to keep the fire contained to the single structure,” said Fire Chief David Lind. “Please  stay away from the area for the safety of crews and the public, and to ensure emergency responders have appropriate access to move around the site as needed.”

The VFRS ladder truck, two engines and approximately 20 firefighters are currently responding to the fire. Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, BC Hydro and Fortis BC are also on scene.

The fire is adjacent to the railway tracks and railway officials have been notified of the emergency.

To watch video of fire (from Chris Schick on Facebook’s Vernon & Area Community Forum), click here.