Crews are on scene of a fire in downtown Penticton this morning, Sept. 30, 2015.
(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)
September 30, 2015 - 8:26 AM
PENTICTON - Penticton firefighters are on scene of a fire at two downtown businesses this morning.
The Penticton Fire Department was called to the 200 block of Main Street around 5:40 a.m., Sept. 30, on a first alarm and immediately noticed smoke visible from coming from Fibonacci Roastery and Cafe and the neighbouring Hooked on Books.
Once inside firefighters found the fire emanating from the space between the first and second floors of the building.
“The fire was quite active in a two foot space between the floors,” Deputy Fire Chief Dave Spalding says. “It extended into the second floor into some offices, so the guys have been busy breaking the shell open so they can get access to that.”
Spalding says the firefighters had knocked down the fire for the most part, but due to sawdust insulation, mop up will take a while.
Penticton firefighters continue to mop up after a stubborn fire broke out in the 200 block of Main Street this morning.
(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)
Spalding says the building suffered extensive fire damage to second floor offices, and smoke damage. Water damage has been limited, and firefighters have conducted salvage operations to the businesses below. Softys Shoes and Comfort, located just north of Fibonnacci Roastery and Cafe was vented to reduce smoke damage.
Firefighters were able to get control of the majority of the fire by 7 a.m. and as of 8 a.m. two engines were still on scene and crews were focusing on the interior walls and fire inspectors are on scene.
The block is closed to traffic and barricades are in place. It is expected the closure of the 200 block will be in effect for most of the day. Most Main Street businesses continue to operate today.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
— This story was updated at 9:10 a.m., Sept. 30, 2015, with additional details.
— This story was updated at 10:05 a.m., Sept. 30, 2015, will additional details from the deputy fire chief.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015