Fire destroys Burtch strip mall

An overnight fire has destroyed four businesses at Burtch Plaza.

Kelowna Fire Dept. was called shortly after 1 a.m. for smoke and flames coming from the strip mall at 1470 Harvey Ave, says Platoon Capt. Tim Light.

Initial crews arriving reported heavy smoke coming from the roof area above units 5 and 6. Fire crews were forced back from their attack on the blaze when the ceiling of the units collapsed. The fire eventually destroyed four units there..

RCMP evacuated one employee from Cora’s Restaurant before fire crews arrived. Residents from nearby apartments were evacuated from their suites and sheltered in the lobbies during the aggressive fire behavior. They were allowed back in without incident when the fire was extinguished. There were no injuries during the evacuation. There were no injuries from the fire.

Kelowna Fire Department had four engines, a rescue vehicle, ladder truck, command vehicle and several support vehicles on scene along with 44 firefighters.

The cause is listed as undetermined at this time investigators will be on scene to investigate this morning.

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