UPDATE: 4:22 p.m.
Reports of smoke coming from the spa at The Cove Lakeside Resort was caused by fire in a waste paper basket.
The fire was contained due to a fire protection sprinkler system and then extinguished by West Kelowna firefighters.
According to assistant fire chief Chad Gartrell, fire crews conducted an investigation and determined the small blaze was started by spontaneous combustion due to the improper disposal of oil soaked rags and concluded it is not suspicious in nature.
“We would like to remind the public to ensure they properly dispose of rags used with paints, oils, solvents etc by following manufacturer recommendations and approved containers,” said Gartrell.
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Fire crews and West Kelowna RCMP were called to The Cove Lakeside Resort, Thursday afternoon, for reports of smoke coming from the spa.
The resort is currently closed however about 20 people were inside at the time and had to be evacuated, about 1 p.m.
Owners and long-term guests are residing in the resort, during COVID-19.
It’s unclear what caused the smoke, as the spa is closed at this time.
Emergency crews did have to detour to the scene as Gellatly Road South is closed due to the Gellatly Road Bridge over Powers Creek being replaced.
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