West Kelowna home destroyed in wind-driven fire

WEST KELOWNA – A single-family home was destroyed by flames, however, everyone was able to get out of the house safely.

The West Kelowna Fire Rescue responded to a reported structure fire on Old Raven Road after 3 p.m. yesterday, Oct. 7.

First arriving crews reported they could see flames through the roof of the single-family residential home and started to fight the exterior fire and knock the flames down, according to a West Kelowna Fire Rescue release issued yesterday.

Afterwards, firefighters started to work on the interior of the home to put out hot spots and search for occupants.

"The roof of the home was fully burned off by the wind-driven blaze," said West Kelowna Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Brent Watson. "In addition to strong, gusty winds and heavy smoke conditions, firefighters had to contend with the difficult access to the structure and a very long hose lay from the nearest fire hydrant to the West Kelowna fire engines positioned outside the burning home."
 
Several residents, including their pets, were at home when the fire started but they were able to get out safely and are in the care of Emergency Support Services.

Watson says, "Five West Kelowna Fire Engines from four stations responded to this second-alarm fire, in addition to one Command Unit, RCMP, B.C. Ambulance, B.C. Hydro, Fortis B.C., and Emergency Support Services." He said the West Kelowna Fire Rescue wants to thank the agencies who assisted at the fire.
 
The blaze is not considered suspicious.
 
West Kelowna Fire Rescue would like to remind people to check their smoke detectors regularly to ensure they are in good working order, and to have a home escape plan in the event of a fire.

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