UPDATE: Fire that destroyed several downtown Vernon businesses 'suspected to be suspicious'

(UPDATE: July 4 @ 10:50 am) - Firefighters remain at the scene of a massive overnight structure that destroyed multiple downtown businesses.

Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) has now confirmed that only one structure was involved in the fire after earlier saying that multiple structures were involved.

However, as reported earlier, that structure does contain multiple businesses, including The Okanagan. Eatery, Classy Canine Pet Grooming, Jax & King Salon and Eunike Boutique, along with the North Okanagan Friendship Society.

Crews have contained the fire, which means it will not spread to adjacent buildings, but the nearby Kekuli Centre apartments remain evacuated and there is still plenty of work to do for firefighters.

“The roof of the structure that was involved with fire has collapsed, making it difficult for firefighters to attack the interior of the building,” said Deputy Fire Chief Alan Hofsink.

“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.”

Hofsink added that there are no injuries reported, but noted that the fire "is suspected to be suspicious" and police are investigating its cause.

(Original story: July 4 @ 6:45 am) - Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) continues to battle a massive blaze that has reportedly affected multiple businesses downtown.

The fire began in the commercial building at the corner of 30th Street and 29th Avenue around 2:30 am today.

The building is home to The Okanagan. Eatery restaurant, Classy Canine Pet Grooming and other businesses.

"Wow, no words," The Okanagan. Eatery said in a Facebook post shortly before 4 am. "Guess that's it."

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

VFRS says multiple structures are “fully involved” in the fire and all available resources are on scene. The Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department is also assisting in the response.

Residents in the nearby Kekuli Centre apartments have been evacuated as a precautionary measure, but VFRS says no additional evacuations have been deemed necessary at this time.

The public is being urged to stay away from the area for their own safety and to allow emergency responders the appropriate space to access the scene.

Multiple roads have been shut down to traffic and pedestrians:

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

The fire has also produced a significant amount of smoke that has moved across the community and VFRS says some residents may notice some of that smoke entering their homes.

“If this is the case, you’re encouraged to turn off your air conditioning and close your windows until the smoke can clear the area,” says VFRS.

The City of Vernon has activated its Emergency Operations Centre to assist with the response efforts.

NowMedia will update this story when more information becomes available.