Fire investigators say Westsyde duplex fire began in basement

Mar 13, 2018 | 10:13 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) personnel are working with RCMP today as they look into a devastating fire at a Westsyde duplex.

The blaze broke out at about 3:30 and quickly engulfed one unit, damaging the other.

KFR investigator Kevin Cassidy wouldn’t comment on the exact cause, but said damage was extensive.

“The one side of the duplex where the fire started is completely damaged. The other side of the duplex, about half of it has been damaged by the fire.”

Cassidy said the fire began inside one unit.

“The fire began in the basement of the north side of the duplex.”

The duplex was originally built under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity, and Executive Director Kim Cassar Torreggiani said the families “are success stories, having both paid off their mortgages three years ago.”

A fundraising campaign has been launched for the Waterhouse family, who were the residents of the completely destroyed unit.

A fundraising campaign has also been launched for Angela Schulz, the occupant of the other unit.