Penticton

Up in flames

Photo: Contributed - Aerin smith

Photo: Contributed - Aerin smith

Photo: Contributed - Aerin smith

Photo: Contributed - Aerin smith

Photo: Contributed - Kyle Piper

Photo: Contributed - Kyle Piper

Photo: Contributed - Kyle Piper

Photo: Contributed - Bayle

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

 

UPDATE: The Penticton Fire Department is still on the scene of an early morning blaze that destroyed three businesses.

Gallons of water continue to be poured on the structure as crews battle challenging hot spots.

Captain Tom Smith says there is a concern the front walls of the entire connected structure will collapse.

"We are spraying water, but right now the building is kind of dangerous and could fall over so we are trying to keep back and get the hot spots from a distance."

Smith says it appears the fire started in the north west corner of the building. 

Witnesses tell Castanet that Slack Alice's was closed prior to the fire for approximately two weeks due to a liquor violation and because of renovations.

Slack Alice's owner Tony Chan is devastated that his business has burnt to the ground.

"I woke up and got the news, I almost cried. I don't know what happened or what to do for me and my family.

Chan owned all three buildings. The Chinese Laundry was rented out to a tenant, but the other two business were Chan's.

There are several buildings that are close to the fire site, such as a new high rise condo and the Court House, but both appear to be out of harms way.

Forbes Street and Front Street will likely be closed for the rest of the day according to Smith.

It appears no one was inside the building at the time of the fire.

​--- With Files from Giant FM in Penticton 

​

An early morning fire has ripped through several businesses in downtown Penticton.

It is being reported to Castanet the main ones that have caught fire are: Slack Alice's, the Chinese Laundry and Bubblee's.

We do not have any reports of anyone being injured by the fire. It was reported to Castanet shortly after 2 a.m.

We have a reporter headed to the scene and we will have more information as it becomes available.

If you have any videos or photos of the fire please send them to news@castanet.net