Hazmat team finds gasoline

Photo: Wayne Moore

UPDATE: 5:55 p.m.

Improperly stored gasoline at a Kelowna condo unit led to a response from the Kelowna Fire Department's Hazmat team Thursday.

Fire crews were called to the Playa Del Sol complex on Cook Road for the smell of gas, and upon arrival, the Hazmat team was called in.

“Two members of the Hazmat team entered the building with atmospheric testing equipment and confirmed the presence of gasoline,” Platoon Captain Scott Clarke said in a press release.

One of the rooms in the unit in question was locked, and the tenant had to let fire crews in so they could complete their search.

The gasoline found in the unit was safely removed.

“The Kelowna Fire Department would like to remind the public to ensure that all flammable liquids and propane should be stored appropriately in a well-ventilated area,” Clarke said.

UPDATE: 1:20 p.m.

Emergency officials are evacuating neighbouring units at a resort in Kelowna’s Mission after potentially hazardous materials were discovered in a condo.

RCMP are investigating the discovery at the Playa Del Sol complex on Cook Road.  

“Discoveries made on site this morning by the Kelowna Fire Department and police have prompted an evacuation of neighbouring units inside the resort to ensure public safety,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

People are asked to avoid the area, and evacuated residents should leave "for their own personal safety."

RCMP and emergency responders are expected to remain at the scene for a number of hours.

ORIGINAL: 12:55 p.m.

Kelowna RCMP, fire crews and a hazmat team descended on an apartment complex on Cook Road and Lakeshore road just before 12 p.m.

Castanet reporter Wayne Moore is on scene and says the investigation is centred on the second floor of the Playa del Sol Condo unit.

No further details have been provided at this time.

Castanet will update you as more information becomes available.