UPDATE: West Kelowna firefighters battle cold to attack stubborn fire
Firefighters were still on the scene at 6 a.m. today, Dec. 27, dealing with a stubborn fire in a newly built home on Menu Road in West Kelowna after being called out just before 9 p.m. last night.
The fire was burning inside the walls and concealed spaces when crews arrived and it spread rapidly, says a West Kelowna Fire Rescue new release issued today.
“Cold weather was a major challenge,” the release from Chief Jason Brolund said. “Firefighters faced temperatures of -25 Celsius.”
Crews from all West Kelowna fire halls were called in to battle the fire and keep it from spreading to nearby homes.
“A small number (of homes) were affected by runoff and ice build-up from firefighting operations,” the release says. “Additional public works crews were brought in to assist with runoff, ice and slippery conditions.”
No one was injured in the incident and the people living in the house are staying elsewhere.
The cause of the fire is under investigation but it’s not considered suspicious.
Fire crews are remaining at the scene this morning to deal with hot spots and flare-ups. The gate on Menu Road has been opened temporarily to allow residents past who were blocked in by fire hoses and apparatus.
“West Kelowna Fire Rescue is grateful for the support of B.C. Transit who provided a warm bus as a shelter for firefighters during the course of the emergency,” the release says.
By late afternoon the house was still burning and had to be demolished in order to safely but out the fire.
"The cause of the fire could not be determined due to damage to the structure and safety of the fire investigators," a news release from West Kelowna Fire Rescu, issued just before 4 p.m,. said. "The entire floor system and roof was compromised making it unsafe to enter.
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– This story was updated at 4:06 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2021 to add information about the house being demolished.
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