Seniors have begun moving back into the Highlands Retirement Residence in Kelowna.
65 residents were forced out of their homes after a fire ripped through part of the complex Monday morning.
For one senior, there was good news even though his apartment was almost completely gutted.
On Monday, flames threatened the safety of Lance Tanner, 92, and all but destroyed his suite.
“It looked like a fire pit after a campfire. It was just a big pit of rubble, rubbish and debris,” Lance’s friend Kerry Davis said about the destruction.
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The day after the fire, the World War Two veteran wasn’t sure if his treasured medals and uniform had survived the blaze.
Davis was able to go back into the destroyed suite.
Tanner was told his suite was a total write off. However, he was able to get hold his medals: they were found undamaged in his bedside table. His uniform was hanging in the closet.
“It was amazing for him,” said Davis of locating the medals, “We were very upset and happy, joyful that we found them.”
The senior was able to move back into another suite in the residence on Friday. He seems to be taking the whole experience in stride.
“I’m glad to get back. Life’s good,” said Tanner, “When you are 92 and you are still getting around, life is pretty good.”
Thirty residents have been able to return and a few others have moved to different facilities.
Highlands’ operators are hoping that nearly all of the remaining residents will be back home by next Wednesday.
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