‘Suspicious’ Kelowna fire destroys beach structures

A fire that started this morning in Kelowna's Lower Mission destroyed multiple structures and spread to nearby trees before crews extinguished it.

At approximately 5:22 a.m., May 21, the Kelowna Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 4770 Crighton Road, according to a press release issued by platoon captain Chris Zimmermann.

Westbank resident Dean Pratley said he noticed the fire shortly after 5 a.m. in a beach house across the lake.

The first arriving firefighter found multiple outdoor beach structures that were fully involved and spreading to surrounding trees.

Firefighters extinguished the fire with help from the department's marine rescue unit and multiple apparatus due to the fire's location.

The RCMP is currently investigating the incident as the fire has been deemed suspicious, Zimmermann said in the press release. 

The fire department responded with three engine crews, one tender, one rescue, its marine rescue unit, a command unit and 20 personnel. FortisB.C. and police were also on scene.

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