Oliver fire crews douse house fire that ruined home, killed cat

UPDATE: 4:30 p.m.

Oliver Fire Department spokesperson Rob Graham said a home has been heavily damaged by fire in Oliver Thursday, and a cat was killed in the blaze.

OFD responded in the early afternoon to find a fully involved fire and had to battle to keep it away from multiple nearby propane and gas tanks on the property.

Graham said they spend most of the afternoon getting the blaze under control. All of the residents of the home are accounted for, but unfortunately, the resident cat was found deceased.

Graham said OFD is now clear of the scene and the home is back in the hands of its owners, although he said it will need extensive rebuilding.

Investigation is underway as to the cause.

ORIGINAL: 2:40 p.m.

The Oliver Fire Department is on scene at a structure fire near the local airport.

OFD fire chief Bob Graham said crews are currently in the mopping-up stage at the location on Circle Drive.

A large plume of smoke was highly visible in the area when the building went up shortly before 2 p.m.

No word yet on cause or extent of damage. Castanet will have more information when it is available.