A devastating house fire broke out in the North Westside community on Monday evening, leaving one family displaced and their home in ruins.
According to the West Kelowna Fire Rescue, the fire was reported around 6:30 p.m. on the 10000 block of Westside Road. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find the two-story home fully engulfed in flames.
The homeowner, who was home at the time of the fire, was able to escape safely with their pets. However, the house was completely destroyed and the family has lost all of their belongings.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials believe it may have started in the garage before spreading to the rest of the house.
Neighbours in the area reported hearing loud explosions before seeing the flames. One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said they saw the homeowner frantically trying to put out the fire with a garden hose before the fire department arrived.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby homes. However, the damage to the house is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The family is currently receiving support from Emergency Support Services and the Canadian Red Cross. The community has also come together to offer their support and donations to help the family during this difficult time.
West Kelowna Fire Rescue is reminding residents to always have working smoke alarms and to have a fire escape plan in place. They also urge residents to never attempt to fight a fire on their own and to call 911 immediately.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the community is rallying together to support the affected family and help them rebuild their lives. Our thoughts are with them during this challenging time.
