A devastating house fire broke out on Sexsmith Road in Kelowna, leaving one family displaced and causing significant damage to the property.
According to the Kelowna Fire Department, the blaze started in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday. Firefighters were quickly dispatched to the scene and were able to contain the fire within a few hours.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to have started in the kitchen area. The family of four was able to safely evacuate the home, but their pet cat is still missing.
Neighbours reported hearing loud explosions and seeing thick black smoke billowing from the house. Some even attempted to help by using garden hoses to try and extinguish the flames before the fire department arrived.
The house sustained significant damage, with the roof and upper floor completely destroyed. The lower level also suffered from smoke and water damage.
The family is now being assisted by the Canadian Red Cross and is receiving support from the community. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help them with immediate expenses.
The Kelowna Fire Department is reminding residents to always have working smoke alarms in their homes and to have a fire escape plan in place. They also urge caution when cooking and to never leave cooking unattended.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the impact it can have on families and their homes. Our thoughts are with the affected family and we hope for a swift recovery from this tragedy.
