North Okanagan home saved after suffering chimney fire

A Lavington household had a lucky escape this morning after a fire broke out in their attic.

According to a Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP media release, just after 8:45 a.m. today, Nov. 19, officers were called to an attic fire at a property on Bluenose Road.

The property, which is outside of the fire department's coverage zone, was ablaze when the officers arrived and the homeowners were frantically trying to save their belongings and attempting to put out the fire.

Heavy smoke was coming from under the roof and the officers dousing the hotspots with water. The media release says thanks to the efforts of everyone involved the fire was extinguished.

The fire is believed to have started in the chimney of the home's wood-burning stove.

"With the winter months upon us, this is a good reminder to ensure the maintenance of your heating source. This includes fireplaces, chimneys, furnaces and wood-burning stoves," Const Jocelyn Noseworthy said in the release. "We are extremely grateful that no one was injured in this incident, and that the home was saved."

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