A total of 10 people were taken care of by emergency services personnel in the early morning hours today as fire damaged two homes in Kelowna, calling fire crews out to two areas of the city at the same time.
The first call came about 2:26 a.m. and when crews arrived at 1209 Cerise Dr. in Old Glenmore, they found that the rear of the residence was fully-involved in fire.
Platoon Captain Tim Light reported that three adults, two children and three dogs were safely out of the building, but two cats and two guinea pigs were not accounted for.
Three engines, one rescue vehicle, a command vehicle and safety truck attended, along with 17 firefighters.
Before that fire was out, crews were called to another house fire in Rutland, at 440 Holbrook East, at Molnar Road, where five people escaped the burning home after being awakened by a smoke detector.
Two dogs and four cats were also rescued from the fire, which was in the basement.
Light reported the fire was suspicious, so it will be investigated jointly by the RCMP and KFD.
Two engines and a command vehicle, along with nine fire fighters attended and put out the fire.
The captain urged people to check their smoke detectors regularly to ensure the batteries are still charged and the detectors are in working order.
jsteeves@kelownacapnews.com
