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UPDATE: West Kelowna fire crews battle stubborn house blaze at -25 C

A fire was reported on Menu Road, Sunday about 9 p.m.
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Fire at a home on Menu Road (WKFR)

UPDATE: 4:20 p.m.

A residence that had a fire breakout in the walls and concealed spaces of the home, on Menu Road, had to be demolished so crews could safely extinguish the blaze.

West Kelowna fire crews remained on scene for most of the day putting out hot spots after the blaze started about 9 p.m. Sunday.

According to Fire Chief Jason Brolund, the cause of the fire is could not be determined due to damage to the structure and safety of the fire investigators. The entire floor system and roof was compromised making it unsafe to enter.

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Cold weather and icy streets made for a challenging evening for West Kelowna fire crews who were called out to battle a blaze at a home on Menu Road.

Crews arrived on the scene about 9 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 26), to find a fire burning inside the walls and concealed spaces of the newly constructed residence. Flames spread rapidly and additional crews from all West Kelowna stations responded.

According to Fire Chief Jason Brolund, temperatures of -25 C proved to be a major challenge for firefighters who were on scene until 6 a.m. Monday.

Firefighters protected other nearby homes to ensure the flames did not spread. A small number were affected by runoff and ice build-up from firefighting operations, said Brolund. Additional public works crews were brought in to assist with runoff, ice and slippery conditions.

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation but is not believed to be suspicious. The occupants of the home are staying with friends.

Brolund said crews will continue to remain on the scene to address hot spots and flare-ups. The gate on Menu RoS has been opened temporarily to allow residents past who were blocked in by fire hose and apparatus.

“West Kelowna Fire Department was grateful for the support of BC Transit who provided a warm bus as a shelter for firefighters during the course of the emergency,” said Brolund.

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@Jen_zee
jen.zielinski@bpdigital.ca

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Jen Zielinski

About the Author: Jen Zielinski

Graduated from the broadcast journalism program at BCIT. Also holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science and sociology from Thompson Rivers University.
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