Three escape fire

Update: 11:15 a.m.

Investigators are still on scene of a home were a blaze broke out Wednesday night.

While the cause has not yet been determined, Fire Chief Jason Brolund said it was most likely not suspicious.

He stated an electrical team was being brought in to investigate; however that does not mean the cause of the blaze was electrical in nature.

Brolund stressed the importance of having working smoke alarms in homes, as it saved the lives of those involved in this incident.

Residents of a home on Empire Place in West Kelowna safely escaped a fire in the building, Wednesday night.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue was alerted to the blaze at 9:45 p.m.

When the first crews arrived at the single-family home on the 3000 block of Empire Place, in Lakeview Heights, flames had already broken through several windows in the back of the residence and the fire was threatening to extend to the floor above.

Firefighters fought the fire from outside until backup from Westbank arrived. They then moved inside and were able to quickly knock down the fire.

Three residents and a pet safely escaped when they were alerted by a smoke alarm. They were placed in care of Emergency Support Services for the night.

Fire damage is located on the middle floor of the home, with smoke damage to all three floors. The cause of the fire is being investigated, although a neighbour reported hearing an explosion.

Assistant Fire Chief Darren Lee said the department responded with four engines and and two command units with 18 firefighters. RCMP, B.C. Ambulance paramedics, BC Hydro, Emergency Support Services and Fortis Gas crews also attended.