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Okanagan Indian Band fire department extinguishes house, grass fires

Fifth-wheel trailer fire on Shuttleworth Road sparks neighbouring grass fire at 1:30 a.m. May 17
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The Okanagan Indian Band Fire Department had to deal with a fifth-wheel trailer fire that also sparked a grass fire on nearby property in the early hours of Wednesday, May 17. (File photo)

An unoccupied fifth-wheel trailer went up in smoke on Okanagan Indian Band land Wednesday morning, May 17.

The band’s fire department responded to a blaze in the 12500-block of Westside Road, near Shuttleworth Road, at about 12:30 a.m.

“The trailer was fully involved when we arrived,” said fire chief Dave Lawrence. “The person who was living in the fifth-wheel was not there. They are in the process of moving.”

The resident was in hospital recovering from a medical incident at the time of the fire, but was made aware of the blaze by the OKIB fire department.

A grass fire near the property was also sparked, which the OKIB department put out.

The trailer was totally destroyed.

A total of nine members of the OKIB department battled both blazes.

Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP’s assistance was requested at the fire.

“The investigation is in the very early stages,” said media relations officer Const. Chris Terleski. “The cause of the fire has not been determined and a detailed scene examination will be conducted once it is safe to do so.”

No injuries were reported in the incident.

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roger@vernonmorningstar.com

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Roger Knox

About the Author: Roger Knox

I am a journalist with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. I started my career in radio and have spent the last 21 years working with Black Press Media.
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