Kelowna

Preparations for a Halloween party led to a scare for workers at a building on Ellis Street in Kelowna Thursday afternoon.

Photo: Grant Scott

Employees make their way back into the building after the all-clear is given.

"We got a false alarm from the penthouse of this building," says Kelowna Fire Department Cpt. Steve Wallick.

"The office workers were prepping for a Halloween party (and) they activated a smoke machine which activated the alarm."

The initial call of smoke from the building led to a quick response from fire crews, and traffic on Ellis was slowed as emergency crews investigated.

Staff evacuated the building and the arrival of emergency vehicles also brought workers from nearby buildings out to investigate.

Once inspectors had determined there was no danger, the evacuated staff were allowed to return.

There's no official word on whether or not the smoke machine will be fired up again for the actual party.