Hours after a blaze started inside the walls and concealed spaces of a newly built home on Menu Road, West Kelowna fire crews were able to get it under control.
However, firefighters not only had to battle the stubborn flames but also temperatures that dipped below -25 C in order to extinguish the blaze.
Crews arrived on the scene about 9 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 26) and noticed that the flames had spread rapidly, forcing all additional crews from all West Kelowna stations to respond.
Firefighters protected other nearby homes to ensure the flames did not spread. A small number were affected by runoff and ice build-up from firefighting operations, said West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund. Additional public works crews were brought in to assist with runoff, ice and slippery conditions.
According to Brolund, the cause of the fire could not be determined due to damage to the structure and safety of the fire investigators. The entire floor system and the roof was compromised making it unsafe to enter.
The home had to be demolished and the occupants of the residence are staying with friends.
Luckily there were no injuries reported in this incident.
“West Kelowna Fire Department was grateful for the support of BC Transit who provided a warm bus as a shelter for firefighters during the course of the emergency,” said Brolund.
Crews remained on scene putting out hotspots until 4 p.m., Monday (Dec. 27).
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@Jen_zee
jen.zielinski@bpdigital.ca
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