VIDEO: Police remain tight-lipped after major tactical operation

"Officers are still on scene," said Kelowna RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mike Gauthier.

"The Serious Crime Unit has taken conduct of the investigation," he added.

But he wouldn't clarify what serious crime is at the centre of it all.

"We can't provide or confirm any details right now," added Cpl. Gauthier.

While workers in neighbouring businesses were either locked down inside or asked to evacuate the area completely, the RCMP responded with visible force yesterday.

They surrounded the warehouse of Adventure Trucks on Kelowna's Adams Road.

A heavily armed Emergency Response Team was seen mustering outside Bonanza Meats next door.

The police also used a dog team and a drone.

Adding to the drama, a fire erupted in the building which brought the Kelowna Fire Department to the scene.

As a result of the fire, there were safety concerns about the police entering the building today (Thursday) to continue their investigation.

At noon, Cpl. Gauthier said there was still a search warrant issue.

"The officers and investigators responsible for figuring out essentially what happened have not stepped foot in the building yet," he said.

"We're waiting for a search warrant to lawfully enter and start investigating," explained Gauthier.

"As well as the fire department deeming the building safe."

Because of the fire, there were concerns about gases and toxins.

"So until we get that thumbs up from the fire department, our officers have not been inside."

For workers inside the nearby businesses, it was a nerve-wracking afternoon.

"All of a sudden all of the police cars came and shut down the street," said Brie Hoggan at Bonanza Meats.

She said the whole street was blocked off and people were ordered to stay inside.

"Stay inside the buildings and lock the doors," she said.

"A tactical team showed up with two 'SWAT' (E.R.T) cars."

But as for what was actually happening, Hoggan said they weren't told much.

"Just that it was an incident unfolding and that we had to stay indoors and that they couldn't comment on anything."

It's widely believed the incident involves people deceased inside the building, but the RCMP isn't confirming that.

"We're not confirming anything right now," said Cpl. Gauthier.

"We can't provide details again until the officers go in and start figuring out what happened. At this point, it's only speculation."

Gauthier explained that while the police are still interviewing witnesses, they have to be careful not to release information that could tarnish their statements.

The incident began around 2:30 pm Wednesday, and the highway wasn't fully open until around 7:30 pm.