July 03, 2012 - 11:29 AM
KELOWNA, B.C. - A well-known hotel in Kelowna, B.C., has been badly damaged by a suspected arson.
Kelowna RCMP Const. Kris Clark says suspicious fires broke out simultaneously on three different floors of the Coast Capri Hotel at about 1:30 Saturday morning.
More than 380 guests had to be evacuated from the downtown-area hotel, but no one was hurt.
Smoke and water damage is estimated at about $100,000, and as many as 48 rooms in the 185 room facility require repairs.
Clark says Kelowna Mounties hope to catch the firebug, but a major investigation lies ahead as officers gather surveillance tape from the hotel and surrounding businesses and speak with hotel staff and guests.
Coast Capri officials are optimistic that about half of the damaged rooms will be repaired and ready for service by this weekend. (CKFR, CKQQ)
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012