Barn up in flames

No one was injured in a large fire at a barn in West Kelowna.

A barn became fully engulfed in flames on Monday around 2:15 p.m., but firefighters were able to work quickly to knock down the flames.

“I was just driving over here to a job and I noticed a puff of smoke and as soon as I saw how black it was I figured there was something seriously wrong,” said Julie Pringle.

A number of children were able to get out of a nearby home safely and were very upset as they watched firefighters battle the fire.

“They all got out and they are all safe, the pets are safe,” said Pringle. “I think there are still a few chickens in the bus, most of them are out, which is great because they provide free-range to some of the local businesses around here.”

It is not clear what caused the fire, but a witness at the scene said it may be due to a heat lamp.

“They think there was maybe a heat lamp they purchased inside that was maybe defective,” said Pringle.

Assistant Fire Chief Chad Gartrell said their “main concern was (the fire) extending into the residential structure.”

"They were able to keep it knocked down and away from there.”

He said the damage was so extensive the cause will remain undetermined, however, he says it is not suspicious.