Early-morning fire destroys Kelowna convenience store

Bankhead Store in Kelowna was a complete loss due to a structure fire this morning.

Members of the Kelowna Fire Department responded to the corner of 1396 Bernard Ave. at 5:28 a.m. this morning, June 4, according to a release from the fire department.

The response included five engines, a ladder truck, rescue truck, command vehicle, safety officer and 23 fire personnel.

Heavy flames were seen coming from the rear of building with smoke coming from the roof at the front, according to the first members on scene.

“Due to its construction the older building was difficult to extinguish. Unfortunately the building was a complete loss,” the release says.

There were no injuries and no employees were working at the time. A family living in the building is getting support from the Emergency Support Service program.

Residents are reminded to report any suspicious activity and to ensure smoke detectors are working properly.

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