WEST KELOWNA — An early morning house fire in West Kelowna is considered suspicious.
Fire Chief Jason Brolund with West Kelowna Fire Rescue says a report came in around 5:25 Tuesday morning of a fire in a house on Alexander Court.
“Crews from the Lakeview Heights, Rose Valley, Westbank and Glenrosa Stations responded,” says Brolund. “On our arrival, heavy smoke was seen coming from the house.”
Brolund says no one was home at the the time of the blaze which was contained to the first floor of the residence.
The extent of damage to the exterior of the home is not apparent but the damage inside the house is extensive.
The home, which is up for sale, has been vandalized with graffiti markings reading “6-6-6”.
The homeowner was in Penticton at the time of the fire. A neighbor says they witnessed the arsonist leave the home in a newer model Chrysler. The house had previously been broken into a few years ago.
The house is surrounded by police tape as fire department investigators continue working with RCMP to try and determine the cause of the fire.
Brolund reminds the public to take a few minutes to check that your fire alarm is working properly and if assistance is required, to contact the fire department.
“Fires can take place at any time,” says Brolund. “If you and your family are asleep when a fire starts, a smoke alarm is your lifeline.”
Brolund says 14 firefighters, including four engines and two command vehicles responded to the blaze along with crews from the RCMP, B.C. Ambulance, Fortis Gas, B.C. Hydro and Westbank First Nation Utilities.
~ With files from Kelly Hayes
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