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(UPDATE: Aug. 21 @ 1:50 pm) - West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR) crews remain at the scene of a large industrial fire, extinguishing hot spots and performing salvage and overhaul activities.
That's the latest from WKFR Fire Chief Jason Brolund, who says the fire continues to smoulder in areas that are not easily accessible.
He adds that an excavator has been brought in to assist with demolishing a portion of the building to ensure all hot spots are extinguished before firefighters leave the scene.
"We expect to remain for several hours," he said.
Photo Credit: West Kelowna Fire Rescue
Although crews are still busy at work, Brolund says the scene has now been made safe to allow those evacuated from nearby building this morning to return.
He says getting everyone out of the area safely was a top priority this morning and expressed gratitude to all who contributed to make the rapid evacuation go so smoothly.
"The cause of the fire remains under investigation," the fire chief noted. "Early indications are that the fire was accidental and related to the industrial process at the manufacturing facility."
According to Brolund, no firefighters were injured in the incident, but two occupants of the building were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
(UPDATE: Aug. 21 @ 12:45 pm) - The fire at an industrial building in West Kelowna has been knocked down.
Crews will be at the scene for several more hours, however, extinguishing hot spots from the large blaze that ripped through Northside Industries this morning.
"We are working to demolish part of the building to complete extinguishment of hot spots," Fire Chief Jason Brolund told KelownaNow. "Once that is complete, we will be allowing those evacuated to return."
Brolund said he expects to provide another update on the incident this afternoon.
(UPDATE: Aug. 21 @ 10:10 am) - West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR) continues to battle a fire at Northside Industries.
Fire Chief Jason Brolund says equipment and crews from all WKFR stations are at the scene.
Photo Credit: West Kelowna Fire Rescue
"The facility is used for heavy manufacturing and there are compressed gas cylinders involved," Brolund explained. "WKFR is working with the operator to move away as many as possible in advance of the fire."
Brolund adds that buildings around the fire at the steel fabricator have been "tactically evacuated" by police, and there's no need for further evacuations at this time.
"People near the fire should close windows and avoid smoke," he said.
Both the RCMP and Brolund are urging the public to stay away from the area to allow firefighters to safely do their work.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
(Original story: Aug. 21 @ 9:20 am) - Emergency crews are on the scene of a fire at a business in West Kelowna this morning.
The fire broke out at Northside Industries, a steel fabricator located at 1400 Industrial Rd, just east of Ross Road between Hwy 97 and Stevens Road.
Photo Credit: Kristy Gevers/Rose Valley Community Facebook group
“Emergency vehicles are on scene and some businesses have been evacuated in the area,” said an RCMP release. “There are no residential structures in danger due to this fire.”
The fire began around 9 am and sent a large black plume into the air, but smoke has seemingly dissipated a bit since then.
However, witnesses in the area report that firefighters continue to battle the active blaze.
Photo Credit: Misty Shaw/Rose Valley Community Facebook group
Police are urging the public and motorists to avoid the area between Westlake Road and Ross Road.
KelownaNow will update this story as more information becomes available.
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