Early morning Kelowna house fire ruled suspicious

KELOWNA – The Fire Department and the RCMP are working together to investigate a suspicious house fire that caused severe damage and displaced residents.

At approximately 5 a.m. today the Kelowna Fire Department was sent to a house fire on the 400 block of McPhee Street.

Platoon Captain Steve Wallick says in a release that upon arrival, crews discovered that half of the house exterior was engulfed in flames.

"The house suffered extensive damage but fire crews were successful in protecting many of the possessions inside," Wallick says in the release.

Occupants were at home at the time, but everyone got out safely.

A neighbouring house and RV were damaged from the heat.

"It appears the fire is suspicious. RCMP will be in charge of the investigation with the assistance of Kelowna Fire Department investigators," Wallick says.

The family is not able to return to the home and is receiving assistance from Emergency Support Services.

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