Updated: One person dead, firefighter injured in suspicious Penticton house fire

Penticton RCMP confirm one person is dead after a weekend house fire in Penticton. The blaze also injured a responding firefighter.

Details have not been released about the person who died.

1:18 Interview wtih Samantha Besler, friend of victim of house fire

WATCH ABOVE: A friend of the man who perished in a Penticton house fire on Sunday describes him as a “fun, outgoing, sweet and kindhearted” person.

The firefighter who was injured slipped and fell on the ice, suffering broken ribs.

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The freezing temperatures and icy conditions posed additional challenges to firefighting crews as they attacked the blaze at 221 Huth Avenue, which broke out around 2: 45 a.m. on Sunday.

https://twitter.com/Shelby_Thom/status/1094637250111954944

Neighbours said two male tenants and their two dogs were home at the time the inferno erupted. A neighbour rushed one of the tenants to hospital with singed facial hair.

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It appears the epicentre of the damage is in the car port area of the single storey detached home.

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At around 9:00 a.m., the structure was still smoldering, and there was a significant police presence. A portion of Huth Avenue is closed to traffic.

Penticton fire chief Larry Watkinson said he cannot comment on the blaze until the scene is cleared by the RCMP.

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“This incident is considered suspicious, and our investigation is in its early stages. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Penticton RCMP 250-492-4300 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.” said Cst. James Grandy.