Kelowna

A Central Okanagan strip mall is being aired out after a fire broke out Sunday morning.

The Lake Country fire department responded to a report of smoke in the Wine and Stein in the 1000 block of Highway 97 just after 10 a.m.

Lake Country fire chief Steve Windsor says the strip mall has six units.

“Crews arrived to find heavy smoke pouring from three units and quickly ascertained the fire was located in the below ground basement area. Crews quickly knocked down the fire and spent the next five hours overhauling the basement area, which had large amounts of paper goods stored below grade,” says Windsor.

He says exotic birds were safely removed from Lake Country Farm and Pet Supply by firefighters.

“Smoke damage was considerable and the three most damaged units will likely remain closed for some time while cleaning and repairs take place. All units had insurance.”

No damage estimate is available at this time.