Rustic lodge burns at Apex Mountain

Volunteer firefighters were called out to the Saddleback Lodge at Penticton’s Apex Mountain Tuesday morning at 3 a.m. when fire was reported.

The damage is extensive to the main lodge, but the fire brigade battled a -32 windchill which hampered suppression efforts.

Equipment seized up in the sub-zero temperatures, requiring extra assistance from Penticton fire halls.

Saddleback Lodge is a rustic guest hotel at the South Okanagan ski resort which was constructed mainly of wood.

Fire crews are using one hose to continue putting out the blaze, which continues to burn after eight hours.

Penticton’s fire department is now sending up assistance.