Fire considered accidental
UPDATE 1:40 p.m.
According to West Kelowna Fire Rescue, a Thursday morning fire that killed two pets and injured a firefighter was declared accidental.
Fire chief Jason Brolund says a firefighter fell through the floor into the basement during the fire fighting search.
“A rapid intervention team was called in to help and the firefighter was able to save himself. He was examined, transported to KGH and released shortly after to recover from a knee and back injury at home, ”Brolund said.
The cause of the fire has been attributed to cooking.
“The public is reminded to check their smoke alarms as they can keep you out of fire, especially while you are sleeping,” added Brolund.
ORIGINAL 6:25 am
A house in West Kelowna was badly damaged in an overnight fire.
Shortly after 3 a.m., West Kelowna Fire Rescue responded to the fire at a residence on Ponderosa Road.
Upon arrival, the firefighters found the back of the house fully caught on fire.
Firefighters attacked the flames and entered the building to look for occupants, says fire chief Jason Brolund.
Five inmates are in the care of the emergency services.
One pet was found by firefighters and two others did not survive. A firefighter was also injured while fighting the fire and is currently under investigation.
The cause of the fire is being investigated. It is expected that the fire investigators will be back on site later today.
WKFR responded with four engines, a cart, three support vehicles and 21 employees. BC Ambulance and RCMP were also called in for on-site support.
