Homes evacuated as firefighters tackled Penticton blaze

PENTICTON – Two people required rescue by firefighters when a fire at the corner of Maple Street and Birch Avenue burned through a garage.

Penticton RCMP, B.C. Ambulance and Penticton firefighters were called to the townhouse complex at approximately 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22.

Penticton Fire Chief Wayne Williams said members arrived on scene to find a garage in one of the townhouses fully involved.

He said two people were rescued from the building. One person jumped, a second person was rescued by ladder.

Both victims were taken to Penticton Regional Hospital for treatment, as was a third victim who escaped the blaze on their own.

A leaking acetylene tank in the garage prompted the evacuation of two blocks of townhouses until the leaking tank was contained.

An entire block of townhouse residents were displaced by the fire and they're currently in the care of Emergency Social Services.

Williams said there was considerable damage done the garage by the fire, including smoke damage to the rest of the townhouse.

“Considering this was a fire as well as a rescue, the guys did a great job knocking down the blaze quickly,” Williams said.

The Penticton Fire Department has attended three structure fires since last Wednesday.

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