UPDATE: Five people displaced after West Kelowna home up in flames

WEST KELOWNA – A house fire on Madera Court in Westbank was a challenge for local firefighters who had to battle not just the fire but the heat of the day.

When firefighters arrived on scene shortly after 5 p.m., fire was clearly visible so while some crews attacked the fire itself, others were tasked with preventing the spread of the fire to neighbouring homes, says Darren Lee, West Kelowna Fire Rescue Assistant Chief. 

Once they brought the fire down, firefighters took turns going inside the home to continue pursuing the flames.

"Numerous WKFR firefighters rotated through forward operating positions where they worked to suppress the attic fire and protect the contents of the home," Lee says. "Special precautions had to be taken to protect firefighters from the temperatures that were in excess of 33 degrees Celsius. Firefighters rotated through a rehabilitation station that was set-up and operated by WKFR personnel and BC Ambulance Paramedics."

WKFR responded with four engines, one water tender, one ladder truck and three command units for a total of 27 firefighters on scene at the peak of the incident.

Lee did not report any injuries. Four adults and a child had to find another place to sleep last night and for the near future because the home is inhabitable due to smoke and water damage and "significant portions" of roof were burned away.

The department will be back on scene today to look for a cause. 

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