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Firefighters save Panorama condo from ruin in early morning blaze
Members of Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service (CVRFS) quickly responded to a large fire at Panorama Mountain Village this morning, Feb. 27.
Approximately 27 firefighters from the Panorama, Windermere and Invermere Fire Departments responded to the scene just after 1 a.m. and their quick response and actions are being credited for saving the five-storey building from being razed.
“When we arrived, we found the top floor of the five- floor Thousand Peaks Lodge engulfed in flames,” explained CVRFS Fire Chief Jim Miller. “We have contained the blaze to the fifth floor and are currently hitting hot spots with the aerial truck. The lower floors, although not affected by fire, have sustained heavy water damage.”
Miller estimates 10-12 units have been lost to fire. Currently, all registered guests of the complex are accounted for and there have been no reported injuries. There are privately held units within the building that do not require check-ins, so crews will continue to do a sweep of the building as it is safe to do so.
“This is a large building and this could have become a much larger fire if it weren’t for the swift response and hard work of the firefighters on scene,” adds Miller.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and crews are expected to remain on scene for much of the day monitoring for hot spots.
Photos of the building from earlier this morning courtesy Scott Wallace
RDEK/e-KNOW
