UPDATE Residents evacuated due to odour in apartment allowed to return home

UPDATE April 19 6:00 p.m.

The “Do Not Occupy” order for the evacuated apartment building in West Kelowna has been lifted and residents can now return.

“The building owner has provided a satisfactory assurance from a qualified environmental professional as required under the City Bylaw. The report states that following their investigation and monitoring, the building is safe to occupy. This meets the requirements of the City of West Kelowna Bylaw and assures us and the public is safe to return,” Fire Rescue chief Jason Brolund said.

Brolund said a definitive cause was not determined, referring media to the building owner for more information.

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UPDATE 4:00 p.m. 150 residents evacuated due to odour in apartment

West Kelowna Fire Rescue and Regional HazMat team members have continued to search for a source of odour at a West Kelowna apartment, but have not found it.  Crews continue to detect levels of concern through various areas of the building.

“The building has been deemed unsafe to occupy under the City of West Kelowna Safe Premises Bylaw and a “Do Not Occupy” order has been posted,” fire chief Jason Brolund said.

The building on Elliott Road is made up of rental units. No one may occupy the building until it has been made safe by the owner with the assistance of qualified professionals.

Residents of the building are directed to register with ESS at the Royal LePage Arena on Cameron Road in West Kelowna before 10 p.m. this evening. The reception centre will reopen tomorrow at 9 a.m. They will receive 72 hours of ESS support in the form of accommodations, food vouchers and incidental costs. The property owner will make arrangements for tenants after that time period. Residents are to contact their landlord (IronClad Developments) for more information.

WKFR fire crews will remain on scene into this evening to assist evacuees by removing essential and critical items from the building (medications, identification, car keys). This can be arranged following registration at the ESS reception centre.

“We thank the residents and owners of the building for their cooperation in this challenging situation. We are also grateful for the assistance of the ESS Volunteers who continue to take care of the evacuees. We appreciate the cooperation of the Regional HazMat Team from Kelowna Fire Department as well as the BC Ministry of Environment, Emergency Management BC and the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner,” Brolund added.

Further updates will be provided by the building owner.

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UPDATE 11 a.m.

Fire and HazMat crews continue to search for the source of an odour in a West Kelowna apartment building, which remains evacuated at this hour.

The building was swept and visually inspected all suites on the affected floors. Nothing was found. While some indications were received, none were strong or persistent enough to identify the exact nature or cause.

“The continued patience of the public and residents of the building is appreciated while we work to pinpoint the issue and return them to their homes as soon as it is safe to do so,” fire chief Jason Brolund said.

Plans are in place should residents need to remain evacuated overnight and will be communicated if required later in the day. Residents are requested to stay tuned to local media for further updates.

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Residents of a large apartment building in West Kelowna had to be evacuated this morning.

Just before 4 a.m., West Kelowna Fire Rescue was called to a structure on Elliott Road for a odour in the building.

Crews evacuated residents and set out to determine the cause.

“The regional HazMat team from Kelowna Fire was requested to assist. At this time, the issue has not been pinpointed and remains under investigation with support from the HazMat Team,” fire chief Jason Brolund said.

One-hundred-and fifty residents and their pets were evacuated from the building.

The Regional Emergency Support Services Team (ESS) has been activated and a reception/warming centre is being setup at Royal LePage Place arena for the residents who were bussed there.

Residents with their own transportation are requested to register after 630 a.m. at the reception centre at Royal LePage Arena (2760 Cameron Rd, West Kelowna)

Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.