One person has been airlifted to Vancouver for emergency medical treatment after they were rescued by firefighters in an Osoyoos apartment-building fire.
“Within five minutes of arrival on the scene, one occupant was rescued and received immediate medical attention by on-scene firefighters,” said Tyler Hilland, an Osoyoos Fire Department deputy chief.
“The person found in the apartment was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital for severe burn injuries to the upper body.”
The blaze reportedly started around 12:15 a.m. on Tuesday, at an apartment building in the 8900 block of 92nd Ave.
Light grey smoke was visible as firefighters arrived on scene, with residents gathering outside the building.
Residents informed the fire department that they believed one person was stuck inside, prompting the quick rescue.
Two more residents were injured in the fire: one was hurt while trying to help the individual that was airlifted to Vancouver, and the second was treated for smoke inhalation.
After the building was ventilated, the majority of the residents were able to return to their units, according to the fire department.
The cause of the fire is undetermined and is currently under investigation.
The fire was contained to the unit of origin.