Two West Kelowna homes destroyed in Sunday morning fires

Fire crews responded to two separate house fires in West Kelowna Sunday morning, both of which appear to be accidental, according to city officials.

The first fire broke out just after 5 a.m. in the Sunnyside neighbourhood, where firefighters found a single-family home fully engulfed in flames. While crews were still battling that blaze, a second fire was reported around 6:30 a.m. on Old Boucherie Road, near Chief Tomat Elementary. Additional units from the Kelowna Fire Department assisted at the scene.

West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund said all residents escaped safely, and no injuries were reported.

“Having two significant fires occur within such a short period is rare,” Brolund said. “At this time, there’s no indication the two events are related, and neither appears suspicious.”

Both homes suffered extensive damage, and the intensity of the fires limited firefighters’ ability to enter the structures.

“Safety of emergency responders is our primary concern, and the severe damage prevented crews from going inside after the flames were suppressed,” Brolund added.

Investigators continue to work to determine the exact cause of the fires. Officials said they will release more information as it becomes available.