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Kelowna  

More grief for apartment fire residents

The Kelowna Fire Department has been told by the building owners of the Bristol Apartments on Franklyn Rd. that ALL residents must vacate the building for an indefinite period of time.

It was hoped that residents, from the lesser damaged portion of the building could return, now that is not the case.

The building owner has contacted most residents yesterday evening and is working on a plan to facilitate reentry to the building to remove contents as soon as it is safe to do so.

Help for Residents:

A ‘Resiliency Centre’ has been established with the joint support of the Canadian Red Cross, Salvation Army and community volunteers. Located at the Salvation Army Church at 1480 Sutherland Avenue, it will be open the following hours:

  • Friday until 7 p.m.
  • Saturday 9 a.m ‐11 a.m.
  • Monday 9 a.m. ‐ 7 p.m.

Residents with unmet needs or those requiring special assistance with no other options are encouraged to seek out the assistance of the Canadian Red Cross at the ‘Resiliency Centre’. Support for residents may also be available through the Ministry of Social Development (residents should contact the local office) or through BC Housing.

Starting today (Friday) the Salvation Army is also offering assistance to affected residents in the form of clothing and household goods that have been generously donated. Residents are asked to come to the ‘Resiliency Centre’ to access this support.

How the Public Can Help:

Public wishing to donate funds to assist the residents of BOTH recent apartment fires are encouraged to contact the local Canadian Red Cross office by phone at (250) 491‐8443 and mention the “Kelowna Apartment Fires” fund.

Special Appeal to Landlords:

The Kelowna Fire Department is urging landlords that have available rental units to contact the local Canadian Red Cross office at (250) 491‐8443 . The Red Cross will be assisting by matching available units with residents requiring accommodation.

The Kelowna Fire Department wishes to thank all the agencies and volunteers involved in assisting residents impacted by the recent fires.



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