Fire case handed to RCMP

Photo: Contributed

UPDATE: 3:50 p.m.

West Kelowna fire investigators have completed their investigation into a house fire on Westbank First Nation land overnight.

However, the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

The file has been turned over to the RCMP for any further investigation, says Fire Chief Jason Brolund.

Adjoining units have been evaluated by building inspectors and have been cleared to be reoccupied.

The residents will work with the property owner and insurance companies to co-ordinate return to their units, says Brolund.

ORIGINAL: 6 a.m.

West Kelowna firefighters had their hands full overnight with a fire in a unit at Quail Court on Boucherie Road on Westbank First Nation land.

The blaze broke out just after 1 a.m., and crews found one unit of the multi-family building fully involved with flames. Crews worked to ensure all occupants were out of the building and knocked the fire down, along with help from Station 32 (Lakeview) and Station 33 (Rose Valley). Crews from Station 34 (Glenrosa) also assisted, along with RCMP, BC Ambulance paramedics, BC Hydro and Fortis Gas.

"There were no injuries. Damage was contained to one of the five units. However, for safety, four families were displaced overnight and will be staying with friends and relatives or in the care of Emergency Support Services," says Jason Brolund, West Kelowna Fire Chief.

The cause of the fire is unknown, but it is considered suspicious. Fire investigators will be at the scene today to investigate the cause.

A fire watch crew remained on scene overnight.