All escape house fire

UPDATE: 6:15 a.m.

The Kelowna Fire Department says all occupants of a house that went up in flames Wednesday night got out safely.

Firefighters responded to the 200 block of Rutland Road shortly before 10 p.m. 

The split-level house was heavily involved in fire on two sides, extending into the attic, says Platoon Capt. Scott Clarke.

Crews were initially unable to enter the structure due to the extreme fire conditions. They later attempted to enter, but were pulled out due to the roof collapsing.

RCMP and KFD are investigating the cause of the blaze, and the residents are being supported by Emergency Social Services.

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UPDATE: 10:30 p.m.

Neighbours confirm the structure on fire is a house.

There are reports of two loud bangs.

Smoke is thick in the neighbourhood as firefighters battle the flames.

Reports at the scene indicated the person or people in the house were able to get out safely.

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UPDATE: 10:20 p.m.

A large crowd of onlookers has gathered around a large blaze on Rutland Road.

Roads are cordoned off and smoke is billowing into the sky.

Neighbours report hearing an explosion.

It's not yet clear what is burning as people are being kept well back from the fire scene.

The neighbourhood is in the area of the Salvation Army, a couple of blocks off Highway 33.

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ORIGINAL: 9:50 p.m.

Firefighters are responding to a full engulfed structure on Wednesday night.

The fire is in the area of Rutland Road and Robson Road.

Castanet has a reporter heading to the scene and will update once more information becomes available.