UPDATE: Heavy manufacturing facility destroyed by fire in West Kelowna | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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UPDATE: Heavy manufacturing facility destroyed by fire in West Kelowna

Firefighters battle a fire at an industrial manufacturing building at Stevens Road and Industrial Road in West Kelowna Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/West Kelowna Fire Rescue

Fire crews have a handle on the industrial fire that broke out in West Kelowna this morning and forced the evacuation of nearby businesses.

Firefighters were called to Northside Industries at Stevens Road and Industrial Road in West Kelowna today, Aug. 21.

Fire trucks and crews from all West Kelowna Fire Rescue stations responded to the blaze at the heavy manufacturing facility and dangerous compressed gas cylinders were on site, according to fire chief Jason Brolund. Firefighters worked to get the gas cylinders out of the way of the blaze.

Firefighters battle a fire at an industrial manufacturing building at Stevens Road and Industrial Road in West Kelowna Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.
Firefighters battle a fire at an industrial manufacturing building at Stevens Road and Industrial Road in West Kelowna Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/West Kelowna Fire Rescue

Buildings surrounding the fire were tactically evacuated by RCMP but the all clear was given later in the day allowing those evacuated to return. People near the blaze were asked to close their windows and avoid the smoke.

Two people in the building were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

An excavator was brought in to help with the salvage and overhaul of what was left of the facility.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation but early indications are it was accidental and related to the industrial process at the manufacturing facility.

— This story was updated at 10:20 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, with information from West Kelowna Fire Rescue.

— This story was updated at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, with new information from West Kelowna Fire Rescue.


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