(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

WEST KELOWNA — It was a busy evening for West Kelowna Fire Rescue crews.

First there was a motor vehicle incident up the Coquihalla Connector at about 6 p.m., a media release says.

While these units were still committed up the Coquihalla, a call came in for a structure fire in a single family residence in the McIver road area of Glenrosa. First arriving crews came back on duty from the Coquihalla incident to assist the residence fire. Creews reported flamees through the roof on arrival denoting a "working" fire. 

Quick action by the WKFR crews kept the fire largely contained to the upstairs living room area. The four occupants and their three pets all managed to get out of the home safely, and are being cared for by Regional Emergency Support Services. The fire appears to have started as a chimney fire, but extended into the wall and ceiling spaces, resulting in structural involvement. It is not known if the occupants had insurance. A total of three engines, a Command Unit and a Safety responded to this fire.

While WKFR were battling the fire in Glenrosa, another call came in for a car fire with possible extension into an adjacent structure. The last two available WKFR apparatus were dispatched to this incident, along with mutual aid support from Kelowna Fire Department. Fortunately, the two WKFR apparatus were able to keep the fire from spreading into the structure and the Kelowna Engine was not required.

The station sends out a couple of safety reminders as the winter season begins: be prepared for winter driving conditions at all times; and ensure that wood burning stoves, fireplaces and appliances are regularly cleaned and inspected by a registered professional. Ensure that all smoke detectors are functioning, and have a home escape plan. On the road, if you experience mechanical problems or see smoke coming from your vehicle’s engine compartment, pull over to a safe location and call 911 immediately.

WKFR thanks KFD, Regional ESS, BC Ambulance, the RCMP, Fortis BC, BC Hydro, and Mario’s Towing for their assistance.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Shelby Thevenot or call (250) 819-6089 or email the editor You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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