UPDATE: Three alarm fire at Penticton car dealership does significant damage

Two firefighter suffered minor injuries from a major fire that broke out at the Toyota dealership in Penticton this morning.

Firefighters responded to 2405 Skaha Lake Road at approximately 4:35 a.m. today, May 11, according to deputy fire chief Rob Trousdell.

"Flames and smoke showing from rear of building on crews arrival," he said in an emailed statement. "Two minor firefighter injuries."

It was classified as a three alarm fire and mutual aid was called from Summerland. It is currently in the salvage and overhaul stage.

Skaha Lake Road remains closed from Kinney Avenue to Brandon Avenue while emergency crews continue dealing with the blaze. Access to Galt Avenue via South Main Street is also closed off.

Traffic is only slightly backed up despite the major route being closed to vehicles. The sidewalk across the road from the dealership is open for pedestrian traffic. 

More than a dozen firefighters were on scene at 9 a.m., along with police officers and other emergency responders. A rest station was set up across the street from the dealership 

The fire appears to have caused substantial damage to a large portion of the building.

The cause of the fire remains unclear.

 – This story was updated at 10:53 a.m. to include comment from Penticton Fire Department deputy fire chief Rob Trousdell.

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