UPDATE: 11:45 A.M.

Vernon's Emergency Support Services (ESS) team is currently aiding displaced residents following Tuesday's fire at the Blue Stream Motel. 

The city says five volunteers and two city employees successfully found shelter and other supports for 14 displaced persons and two pets by Tuesday evening. City communications manager Carolyn Baldridge said that's the total number that were displaced by the fire. 

The fire broke out around 5 p.m. Tuesday. Firefighters observed heavy smoke and flames coming from the second floor of the motel upon arrival. The Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department also attended with a second ladder truck. 

With help from the RCMP, the motel was cleared of residents as crews worked on the fire. 

The city says the fire involvement was contained to the upper motel units and the roof, however the building was heavily damaged by fire, heat, smoke and water.

Crews remained on scene for several hours ensuring the fire was fully extinguished. 

鈥淭he fire grew and spread quickly,鈥� said fire chief David Lind. 鈥淭he first arriving firefighters effectively applied large amounts of water to the fire using master streams to control the fires spread. This quick action made all the difference in getting the fire under control quickly. Vernon鈥檚 Emergency Support Services team has done an excellent job to ensure those affected have the necessary resources and support during this challenging time.鈥�

No injuries have been reported. 

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and the file has been handed over to the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. 

ORIGINAL:

A structure fire at Vernon's Blue Stream Motel has left a number of people displaced, but all occupants are accounted for.

Firefighters and RCMP were called to the Highway 97 blaze around 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27.

The fire had fully engulfed the upper northern level of the building.

Our officers cleared the southern level of the building to ensure all residents were evacuated, said Cpl. Tania Finn, media relations officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. Once it was safe to do so, the northern part of the building was cleared by fire personnel. At this time, all persons are accounted for and no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Police are in the early stages of the investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

If you have any information regarding this incident, contact Const. Chappell at the non-emergency line of 250-545-7171. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leaving a tip online at . You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information that leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.