A home in South Okanagan was completely destroyed in an overnight fire, leading to two people being hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The fire was reported at around 2 a.m. along the 300 block of Rigsby Street. When firefighters arrived, the house was fully engulfed in flames. Twenty-three firefighters were needed to extinguish the stubborn fire. Despite the intensity of the fire, the three residents of the home were able to escape. However, two of them had to be taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. Witnesses reported seeing large flames and smoke billowing into the sky from across the downtown area. The tenants were covered in soot but were later released from the hospital. Unfortunately, their pets did not survive the fire.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, and an investigation is currently underway. The property manager of the home mentioned that an elderly couple had been living there for the past 20 years. They were described as good tenants, and efforts are being made to find them a new place to live. The tenants are currently being cared for by Emergency Support Services. The property manager expressed sadness over the loss of the old house and the tenants’ belongings. He also emphasized his hope that the tenants are doing okay. The fire was contained to the main house, but some minor damage was reported on a neighboring property.
Despite the efforts of the firefighters, the home is considered a total loss. Fire Chief Mike Larsson commended the crews for their hard work in extinguishing the fire and preventing it from spreading to other nearby homes. The firefighters were on the scene until 8 a.m., and the stubborn fire posed a challenge. Larsson mentioned that the home was the primary source of the flames, and some nearby bushes and one neighboring house were affected as well. The community is coming together to support the tenants and help them recover from this devastating event. The property manager expressed sympathy for the tenants and their losses, highlighting the impact of the fire on both the physical property and the emotional well-being of the tenants.
The community has been affected by the loss of the home and the devastation caused by the fire. Residents were shocked by the intensity of the flames and the impact it had on the tenants and their pets. Efforts are being made to support the tenants in finding a new place to live and help them recover from the trauma of losing their belongings. The cause of the fire remains a mystery, but authorities are working to determine the factors that led to this tragic event. The property manager and the fire chief are grateful for the efforts of the firefighters in containing the fire and preventing further damage to the neighborhood. The focus now is on supporting the tenants and ensuring their well-being in the aftermath of the fire.
