Major fire breaks out at West Kelowna apartment complex

A major fire broke out at an apartment complex in West Kelowna last night.

At about 7:45 p.m. last night, West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR) responded to an apartment fire in the 2000 Block of Hebert Road.

West Kelowna Fire currently actioning an apartment fire on Hebert Rd. Please stay clear of the area so crews can work safely. @CastanetNews @KelownaNow @WestKelownaCity @IAFFNewsDesk pic.twitter.com/srpqlGNuen

— West Kelowna Fire (@IAFF4457) March 23, 2019

First arriving crews reported heavy smoke and flames through the roof of the 15 unit townhouse complex and requested a second alarm for a working structure fire.

Three of the 15 units were heavily damaged by fire, with several others suffering smoke and water damage.

All of the units were evacuated and the occupants are in the care of Regional Emergency Support Services. It is unknown if any of the occupants had insurance.

The WKFR said that damage is estimated at well over $200,000, but quick action by the first arriving crews kept the fire from impacting more units.

There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

A total of six engines, a ladder truck, a command unit and two safeties responded to the fire, while additional WKFR units were called in to cover Westbank and Glenrosa.

With all WKFR units committed, mutual aid was requested from the Kelowna Fire Department (KFD) to cover the Rose Valley, Lakeview Heights and Casa Loma neighborhoods.

“WKFR would like to thank the Kelowna Fire Department, Peachland Fire Department, the RCMP, BC Ambulance, ESS, BC Hydro, Fortis BC and Winmar Restoration for their assistance during this major fire,” they said.