UPDATE RCMP investigating fire that destroys restaurant

Sep 8, 2020 | 12:45 PM

UPDATE Sept. 8

Kelowna RCMP has issued a brief statement, saying its officers are investigating after a fire destroyed business in Lake Country.

On Sept. 7, just before 5:00 a.m., RCMP responded to a structural fire in the 400-block of Commonwealth Road in Kelowna near the Holiday Park Resort. The Kelowna Fire Department attended and were able to extinguish the blaze, but the building was destroyed.

The Italian Kitchen restaurant, owned by Vernon-based Pretium Group, was the impacted business.

Fire personnel said the cause was deemed suspicious and the investigation was turned over to police.

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“No one was injured in the blaze and RCMP is working to determine the cause of the fire,” said Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy, media relations officer.

No further information is being released at this time.

Anyone with any information about the incident can contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. Or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net.

Sept. 7 story

Management of a restaurant in Lake Country are expressing sadness after a fire left the business in shambles.

“It is with sadness that The Italian Group announces the closure of The Italian Kitchen Lake Country due to a fire,” said Katie Dahl, vice president of operations with the Vernon-based Pretium Group.

The Kelowna Fire Department received a call reporting a structure fire in the 400 block of Commonwealth Road in Kelowna, The Holiday Park Resort, around 4:45 a.m. Monday (Sept. 7).

Lake Country units were the first to arrive on scene and reported a two-storey structure with fire showing from the main floor interior and the roof.

“With the extensive involvement of the fire it was deemed to be too dangerous to attempt an interior attack. A defensive attack was implemented using an elevated water tower and ground hand lines,” said Tim Light, platoon captain for KFD.

Fire crews were still on scene Monday morning mopping up and dealing with hot spots.

“The fire is deemed suspicious at this time. RCMP will be the lead investigators, any information regarding the investigation will come from the RCMP office,” Light added.

There were no injuries and no one was displaced by the fire.

“The Italian Kitchen along with Holiday Park Resort is working closely with officials to determine the cause of the fire,” added VP Dahl. “The Italian Kitchen group is saddened by the news as Lake Country was a flagship location in the heart of the Okanagan. The entire success of this location was driven by the local team led by Chef Rob and his wife Nicole, who are devastated by this event.”

Dahl added all The Italian Kitchen Lake Country team and others in the area are all safe.

The Pretium Group also owns the Italian Kitchen in Vernon as well as Wings Vernon.

Lake Country responded with two engines, one tender and two command vehicles. Kelowna responded with four engines, an ariel platform, rescue vehicle, a tender and a command vehicle.

by Pete McIntyre

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