UPDATE: 14 people, 2 pets displaced after Vernon motel fire

(UPDATE: Aug. 28 @ 2:15 pm) - The City of Vernon says Emergency Support Services continues to aid residents displaced by a fire at the Blue Stream Motel on Tuesday.

In a release issued today, the City says two of its employees and five volunteers were able to find shelter and other supports for 14 displaced people and two pets after the destructive blaze.

While firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the upper units and roof of the older motel, the building was heavily damaged by fire, heat, smoke and water.

Fire Chief David Lind says it grew and spread quickly after igniting around 5 pm Tuesday.

“The first arriving firefighters effectively applied large amounts of water to the fire using master streams to control the fires spread," he explained. "This quick action made all the difference in getting the fire under control quickly."

The City says emergency personnel remained at the scene in the 4200 block of Hwy 97 well into the night to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

There have still been no reports of injuries and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(UPDATE: Aug. 29 at 6:58 am): The RCMP has confirmed that, as of this morning, nobody appears to have been injured in yesterday's fire at the Blue Stream Motel.

Mounties are now investigating the cause of the fire.

In a bulletin released this morning, the North Okanagan RCMP explained that its officers helped evacuate the building.

Police responded at about 5 pm.

“Once it was safe to do so, the northern part of the building was cleared by fire personnel," Cpl. Tania Finn said.

"At this time, all persons are accounted for and no injuries or fatalities were reported,"

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call Cst. Chappell at the RCMP's non-emergency line: 250-545-7171.

Alternatively, go to nokscrimestoppers.com to make an anonymous report.

(UPDATE: Aug. 28 at 5 am): Hwy 97 has reopened after it was closed due to the fire at the Blue Stream Motel.

The highway was shut for an extended period last night between 41st and 43rd Avenue.

Firefighters are yet to provide an update on the blaze, but said last night the second floor of the building had suffered "heavy damage."

There were no reports of injuries last night.

(Original story: Aug. 27 at 7:15 pm): A powerful blaze engulfed a Vernon motel early Thursday evening.

The City of Vernon says firefighters rushed to the scene of the fire at the Blue Stream Motel, in the 4200 block of Hwy 97 just south of 43rd Avenue, around 5 pm.

Photos show the blaze fully engulfing parts of the motel's second floor.

"Crews quickly action the fire, however, the second floor of the structure sustained heavy damage," explained a release from the City. "At this time, there are no reports of injuries."

The City confirms that "a number of people" have been displaced because of the fire, and Emergency Support Services have been activated.

Members of the public have been asked to stay away from the area as emergency crews continue to work at the site.