UPDATE: 6:20 p.m.

The City of Vernon says no injuries have yet been reported from a fire at the Blue Stream Motel, as the situation continues to unfold as of 6:15 p.m.

Vernon FireRescue Services crews arrived to the scene  on Highway 97 (32nd Street) near 42nd Avenue just after 5 p.m., where they found a fire on the second floor of the motel.

Crews quickly worked on extinguishing the fire, however the second floor of the motel sustained heavy damage, the city said in a media release. 

"The event is still unfolding. Residents and visitors are asked to avoid the area if possible to allow crews to continue emergency response efforts," the city said. 

A number of people have been displaced by the fire, and the city's Emergency Support Services program is providing assistance to these people. 

"At this time, there are no reports of injuries," the city said. 

BC Emergency Health Services, RCMP, Fortis and BC Hydro also attended the scene. 

It is currently unclear how the fire started. 

ORIGINAL: 

Vernon fire crews are currently attending to a fire at the Blue Stream Motel.

Firefighters from Vernon, along with Armstrong, are on scene as heavy smoke and flames are present. 

The motel, located at 32nd Street (Highway 97) near 42nd Ave, has been a fixture in the community for years.

Highway 97 southbound and 42nd Ave has been closed while crews attend to the blaze.

One witness told The Morning Star she and her family had just arrived at Kelly O'Bryan's restaurant across the street from the motel when the fire broke out. She said some people sprung into action to try and get people out.

"Those guys were amazing, the one was trying to get into the room that seemed to be where it started, but he couldn't get in, it was so intense," she said. "We could hear them screaming at people to get out."

It is unclear if there were any injuries or if everyone got out of the motel safely. 

The Morning Star has reached out to the city for more information.