Suspicious motel fire

UPDATE: 3:30 p.m.

Fire Chief Larry Watkinson says investigators are looking into the cause of the fire, which has been deemed suspicious.

The blaze displaced 15 people, who will be housed for a few nights by Emergency Social Services. The fire was contained to one suite, but travelled up and and out horizontally throughout the building 

There were no serious injuries, with a two people being treated for minor smoke inhalation.

UPDATE: 2:40 p.m.

The Penticton Fire Department is mopping up a large fire at the Highland Motel in Penticton.

The blaze broke out around 1:30 p.m., forcing all the occupants out of the building with luggage in tow. The motel was recently sold, and tenants had been given until the end of the month to vacate.

Penticton RCMP were forced to set up a perimeter around the motel, with some tenants attempting to re-enter the building to save their belongings. The fire appeared to originate in a single suite, but spread into other parts of the building.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time. 

ORIGINAL: 2 p.m.

Penticton firefighters are fighting a fire at the Highland Motel at 1140 Burnaby Avenue.

There were initial reports that people were being evacuated and some were running into the building to retrieve their belongings.

The motel was recently sold with all tenants given until the end of the month to leave.

- with files from Colin Dacre