UPDATE: Fire destroys Kelowna business complex

UPDATE: 10:20 a.m.
By Glenn Hicks/Kelowna 10

The Blue Heights business park along Highway 97 in Kelowna has been destroyed by fire.

The Kelowna Fire Department (KFD) got the call to the block between Leathead Road and McCurdy Road at around 2 a.m.

The building contains several different small businesses.

Firefighters at scene of business park fire in Kelowna. (Photo credit: Kelowna10)

Heavy smoke was coming from all sides of the open truss roof structure, according to KFD platoon captain Scott Clarke.

“It was tough to tell which end of the building to start at, and by the time I had the command post set up we had flames through the roof… It eventually escalated into a general alarm, that means all hands on deck,” Clarke told Kelowna10.

Clarke said one of the businesses had several people inside but they got out. No injuries were reported.

Crews surrounded the entire perimeter and tackled the blaze as a ‘defensive attack.’ Clarke said the fire was contained to the building although some water got onto the Lexus dealership next door.

Fire damage to Blue Heights business park in Kelowna. (Photo credit: Kelowna10)

Toxic air
Toxic smoke proved to be an issue for firefighters, given the early morning weather inversion.

Residents across the city said they could smell the acrid scent from the blaze, and the smoke was visible across much of the valley.

Clarke said the smoke was ‘pretty toxic’ and asked the public to stay away from the area. He recommended anyone feeling unwell or experiencing shortness of breath to call an ambulance or seek medical attention.

Clarke said the only way to fully extinguish the fire it is to pull the building apart. An investigation is underway.

“We have fire investigators on scene who are going to look after that.”

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Fire damages business complex, creates air quality issues
9:55 a.m. Feb. 15

A large overnight fire at the Blue Heights commercial complex on Highway 97 near McCurdy Road in Kelowna caused significant damage and also led to an air quality advisory being issued for the city.

The Environment Ministry says the fire, combined with an atmospheric inversion, created conditions in which emitted smoke and particulates have been trapped in the valley, near ground level.

The fire damaged several businesses, but is now said to be out.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.