UPDATE: Penticton firefighters battle house fire

PENTICTON – Penticton fire crews are investigating following a huge fire that destroyed two houses in Penticton yesterday.

The fire broke out at around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, at a home at 127 Acacia Cres. off Johnson Road and deputy fire chief Chris Forster says firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke billowing from the garage.

The fire quickly spread to a neighbouring house, fueled by a cedar hedge and vinyl siding.

"It got into the roof really quick," Forster said, adding everyone escaped the blaze, which gutted both houses.

No injuries were reported. Two families, including four adults, two children and a pet were left homeless by the fire and are under the care of emergency social services.

Firefighters were on scene for over five hours and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Forster said the fire is being investigated this morning.

— This story was updated at 9:50 a.m. July 19, 2018 with new information from the Penticton Fire Department.

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