Serious structure fire

UPDATE: 1 p.m.

Naramata Fire Chief Tony Trovao said the fire at the Plexus Doors wood shop at 780 Gulch Road is now in the mop up stage.

Trovao said the fire started around 9:19 a.m. and firefighters dealt with multiple explosions, from combustibles stored in the shop, as well as flames as high as 40 feet and 40 km winds.

The family who owns the wood shop were visibly shaken, but no one was injured. A couple of Naramata firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation but later returned to the scene.

There were additional concerns for other structures in the area, but the fire was doused with the help of the Penticton, Summerland and Kaleden fire departments.

Family members at the scene declined to comment. Information on whether or not they were insured was not immediately available.

A sign posted at a nearby winery read: "Thank you volunteer fire crews - Naramata Fire.

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UPDATE: 11:09 a.m.

According to firefighters at the scene it was the Plexus Doors wood shop that burned, Sunday morning.

It was a difficult blaze to battle as there was lots of dry wood and equipment in the shop.

Due to the nature of the fire and a lack of water, Penticton, Summerland and Kaleden fire departments were called in for back up. The RCMP and B.C. Ambulance were also on scene.

Family members and neighbours were distraught as they watched the shop burn.

"I want to cry, it's very sad for the family," said Patrice Roy. "It's where they do all their work. It's all reclaimed wood."

"I just saw smoke when I was swimming and hopped on my bike as quick as I could to go up and help," said Kyle Branscombe. "It's just shocking. I was shocked when I saw the family."

Panicked animals at the scene, including at least two dogs, were being seen to by residents who gathered there.

It was a busy morning for Naramata fire, who earlier responded to a boat call.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Castanet will provide more details as they come available.

 

UPDATE: 10:40 a.m.

Neighbours report hearing several explosions from the scene of a structure fire in Naramata.

Sean Stevenson says it appears the fire has now been contained, although it is still burning.

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Naramata firefighters have called in backup to a serious structure fire.

A building believed to be a shed or storage structure at Plexus Doors is fully engulfed in flames.

Residents in the area report the fire is moving up slope and a nearby home is being watered down as a precaution.

Castanet has a reporter on the scene, and we will post updates as more information becomes available.

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