A symbol of the sudden end to the building boom in the Columbia Valley, following the 2008 recession, burned to the ground this morning in Fairmont Hot Springs.

Ten Fairmont Hot Springs and Windermere Fire Department members responded to a dramatic blaze along Highway 93/95, near Riverside, as five unfinished condos, part of a resort development that stalled after the 2008 crash, were destroyed.

“When we arrived, we found three of the five Columbia Eagle condos completely engulfed in flames and all five are a total loss,” explained Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Services Chief, Jim Miller.

“The condos, which were located adjacent to Highway 93/95, have been left partially constructed for several years. There were no occupants in any of the units and there were no injuries as a result of the blaze.”

While the exact cause of the blaze has not been determined, the fire is being considered suspicious and fire officials are currently looking for witnesses.

“We have talked to the person who called in the fire; however, we are hoping to talk to anyone who may have seen people or activity in or around the condo units in the hours leading up to the fire this morning,” said Chief Miller.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Chief Miller at the Windermere Fire Hall at 250-342-6214.

“The crew did a great job containing the fire and preventing it from spreading,” adds Miller. Firefighters are expected to remain on the scene throughout the rest of the day mopping up and dealing with hot spots.

Photos courtesy George Greenside

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