A large fire in the Lower Mission area was visible from across many parts of Kelowna on Saturday.
The fire broke out in a building under construction on Truswell Road. Firefighters began responding to the blaze around 11 a.m.
On Saturday night at 6 p.m., an evacuation order was issued for 176 units on Truswell and Capozzi Roads due to building fires. The order will remain in place overnight tonight as power and gas have been turned off for the area, which also means residential fire smoke alarms and suppression systems may be non-operational.
The evacuation order impacts The Waters Edge (65 units), Walnut Grove Motel (37 units), Charles M. Suites (11 units), Mission Shores (54 units) and nine single family waterfront homes.
Fire suppression work will be ongoing tonight and possibly longer.
Evacuees are being directed to the Salvation Army on Sutherland Avenue, where Emergency Support Services (ESS) are set up with food and shelter options for displaced residents.
A neighbouring building has also caught fire, as well as several units at the Walnut Grove Motel.
Witnesses said the fire was started by roofers working on the building.
Several firefighters were seen receiving medical treatment.
Lakeshore Road at Cook Road is now closed as crews continue to battle the massive fire.
Comments