UPDATE: Crews battle electrical fire

UPDATE

West Kelowna fire crews cleared the Auburn Road structure fire Friday afternoon, with fire officials saying the building had major damage

“Due to safety concerns and to the condition of the structure, investigators were not able to enter the building to complete a full investigation of the fire’s cause. However, it is likely that the fire was electrical in nature and is not considered suspicious,” said assistant fire chief Brent Watson.

Watson says 25 firefighters fought the stubborn blaze for over six hours in frigid conditions, and were successful in saving a number of commercial vehicles parked around the building, as well as adjacent machinery and industrial infrastructure.

Original story

Crews from West Kelowna Fire Rescue responded to the Auburn Road industrial area of West Kelowna for a reported electrical fire just before 6:30 a.m. Friday (Dec.27).

Due to energized electrical equipment involved in the fire and for the safety of firefighters, crews attacked the fire defensively from the outside of the building.

“Crews remain on scene at this time. The fire continues to be fought defensively, due to concerns of collapse of the roof and the building itself,” said Fire Chief Jason Brolund at 9:30 a.m.

“At this time there are three engines and one ladder truck along with 19 firefighters on the scene. Crews are expected to remain on scene for some time and the public is asked to stay away from the immediate area so firefighters can work unimpeded.”

Brolund said there have been no injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Further updates will be provided if or when new information becomes available.