West Kelowna Fire Department douses fire started by candle

Photo: Contributed

UPDATE: 6:20 a.m.

West Kelowna firefighters doused a basement fire started by a candle Thursday night.

Assistant Fire Chief Chad Gartrell says crews responded to the fire on the 3100 block of Vineyard View Way about 8:20 p.m., and all residents were able to evacuate the residence safely.

He says crews quickly knocked down the fire and prevented it from spreading to the first floor.

Investigators deemed the cause accidental in nature.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue reminds the public to avoid using candles in bedrooms, bathrooms, and sleeping areas – and to extinguish candles when you leave a room, the home, or go to bed.

The department responded with four engines, two safety officers, and a command officer. RCMP, paramedics, Fortis Gas, BC Hydro, and City of West Kelowna utilities crews also attended the scene.

ORIGINAL: 9:40 p.m.

The West Kelowna Fire Department was quick to put out a house fire in West Kelowna on Thursday evening.

At approximately 8:20 p.m. crews attended the home on Pinot Noir Drive. Fire crews, ambulance and RCMP are still on scene and it is not clear if anyone has been injured.

According to a witness, the fire was sparked from a candle in the home's washroom.

Castanet will update as more information becomes available.