One dead, one in intensive care following South Okanagan structure fire

One man is dead and another is in intensive care in Kelowna following a structure fire in Osoyoos yesterday.

Osoyoos Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire, Jan. 1, in the 6400 block of 89 Street, at roughly 9:40 p.m. according to deputy chief Tyler Hilland, in a press release.

Upon arrival of the command vehicle, heavy black smoke was seen coming out of the front door of the unit and neighbours reported one family member was still inside the building.

A family member was trying to re-enter the structure to help the young adult inside, Hilland said.

On arrival of the first engine, firefighters made a quick entry into the structure to knock down the fire and rescued the young man. He received immediate medical attention by on-scene firefighters until ambulance crews arrived, Hilland said.

"This individual had suffered extensive burns and trauma," he said. Both residents were transported to the hospital, where one succumbed to his burn injuries and the other remains in intensive care in Kelowna.

Osoyoos Fire Rescue is working with the Office of the Fire Commissioner and B.C. Coroner’s Service to determine the fire's cause. It is still unknown at this time.

Smoke alarms were activated inside the house and firefighters were able to contain the fire to the room of origin.

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