Update: 8:30 p.m.

A single family home was badly damaged, but the residents as well as pets in the house at the time the fire started, were all able to escape safely.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR) responded to the fire call on Old Raven Road just after 3 p.m. this afternoon and were faced with a challenging set of circumstances.

Heavy winds whipped the fire as the first crews arrived on scene, seeing flames through the roof of the single family structure. The nearest fire hydrant was also quite a ways away and WKFR were forced to run a long hose to the fire engines, stationed outside the burning home.

Once they were set up crews quickly commenced an exterior fire attack to knock the flames down, before transitioning to the interior to search for occupants and douse hot spots.

The roof of the home was fully burned off by the wind-driven flames, said WKFR, who also noted several residents were home at the time of the fire, and everyone was able to exit safely, including the pets.

The house is severely damaged, but the occupants are insured and they are in the care of Emergency Support Services.

Five West Kelowna fire engines from four stations responded to this second-alarm fire, in addition to one command unit, RCMP, BC Ambulance, BC Hydro, Fortis BC, and Emergency Support Services.

The blaze is not considered suspicious.

Residents are reminded to check their smoke detectors regularly to ensure they are in good working order, and to have a home escape plan in the event of a fire.

Update: 4 p.m.

The structure has lost most of its roof. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Original:

Emergency crews are responding to reports of a structure fire in West Kelowna.

Around 3 p.m., teams received a call of a fire on Old Raven Road.

The Capital News will update the story as more information becomes available.

carli.berry@kelownacapnews.com
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