Abandoned Kelowna home damaged in early morning fire

Kelowna fire crews were called to a structure fire early Thursday morning at an abandoned home on the 400 block of Lester Road.

Firefighters from Rutland Station 3 were initially responding to a shopping cart fire around 4:20 a.m. when they noticed smoke coming from the residence. Upon investigation, a blaze was found in the kitchen, prompting a second alarm response.

The fire was quickly contained to the kitchen, but it caused extensive damage to the interior. No one was inside at the time, and there were no injuries to firefighters or the public.

The cause of the fire is considered suspicious and is under investigation by the Kelowna Fire Department and RCMP. Fire crews responded with three engines, a rescue truck, ladder truck, command unit, and safety unit, totaling 18 personnel. RCMP, BC Ambulance Service and Fortis were also on scene assisting.