Part of a townhome complex in Kelowna’s Rutland neighbourhood went up in flames on Friday afternoon.
It’s unknown how the fire started along Houghton Road, but billowing smoke from the blaze could be seen from many blocks away.
The fire department quickly responded with multiple crews, as hedges near the complex also caught fire.
When crews arrived, the fire had extended into the soffits and roof.
“They had half the fire under control, then it was getting really big,” witness Breydyn Amyott told Global News.
“That tree almost ignited, but they got it under control and from what we’re seeing, it tore a lot of the inside up.”
Two units in the complex were affected, and 15 people are displaced.
One person was treated for smoke inhalation, and the fire department is investigating, saying the fire has been deemed suspicious