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