UPDATE: One fatality confirmed in early morning fire at Kelowna home

(UPDATE: March 13 @ 10:48 p.m.)- One fatality has been confirmed in an early morning house fire in Kelowna.

The Kelowna Fire Department said they responded to the fire at about 5 a.m. in the 2500 block of Springfield Road.

Police have since learned that a passerby was driving along Springfield Road when he spotted the blaze and took action. Witnesses say the man pulled into the homes’ driveway and honked his horn repeatedly to alert those still believed to be sleeping inside.

First arriving crews encountered a heavily involved house fire and due to extreme fire conditions crews could not enter immediately.

When crews were able to enter, one fatality was discovered. The body of a woman was located during an interior search of the residence conducted by emergency fire crews.

“Witnesses at the scene have told police that four occupants, including a man, a woman and two children were observed fleeing from their home to safety,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey of the Kelowna RCMP. “Investigators believe that the woman re-entered the residence for an unconfirmed reason. Tragically she was not seen re-exiting the home.”

ESS and RCMP Victim Services were called to support the displaced residents.

RCMP and Kelowna Fire investigators are investigating the cause of the fire.

(Original Story)

Emergency crews remain on scene battling an early morning fire at a home in Kelowna.

A portion of Springfield Road, between Gerstmar Road and Graham Road, remains closed at this time to allow emergency fire crews to safely battle the residential structure fire. Police ask the public to please use alternate routes at this time.

ESS was on site to attend to the family. Platoon captain Tim Light said the fire was very serious and that RCMP, investigators and the fire department are still on the scene, and no further details can be released at this time.

Updated information will be provided as it becomes available.