A fire, ignited in the Sunnybrae area Thursday night appears to be largely contained as of 11:30 p.m.
The fire, which began with a structure on Sunnybrae Canoe Point Road and appeared to be climbing into the hills above the area, is now under control.
“The situation was very serious but fortunately we had excellent cooperation from all supporting agencies which allowed the firefighters to contain the fire within approximately four hours.” said Columbia Shuswap Regional Fire Chief Kenn Mount.
Kyle Schneider, Chief of the Tappen-Sunnybrae Fire Department said the blaze completely destroyed one house as well as a shed and chicken coop, but the other house on the property was not damaged.
Trees and the forest surrounding the burning structures were also ignited.
As part of the response, the Tappen-Sunnybrae Fire Department, the BC Wildfire Service and Shuswap Lake Fire Department were called in, as well as the RCMP and BC Ambulance as a precautionary measure. Other fire departments had been on stand-by.
In total 10 pieces of equipment and 25 fire fighters from the three Columbia Shuswap Regional District fire departments responded.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. The public is asked to please stay away from the area and allow fire crews to complete the investigation
The Shuswap Emergency Program is offering emergency support to the displaced family.
