Firefighters battle large-scale structure fire on Tk’emlups reserve

Mar 12, 2017 | 5:57 PM

KAMLOOPS — A plume of smoke could be seen throughout the city Sunday afternoon as fire crews battled a large-scale structure fire on the Kamloops Indian Reserve.

According to Kamloops Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Dave McMahon, crews received multiple calls regarding the two-alarm fire on Athabasca Way beside Don’s Towing just after 4:30 p.m. 

At one point, more than 25 firefighters were battling the blaze that spread through a fabrication-welding shop and storage unit.

The spaces are owned by separate companies, with investigators now trying to determine what caused the sudden outbreak.

“We spoke to the owner and the other guy that’s renting the shop,” said McMahon. “Right now, we have no good reason as to why the fire may have started. Investigators will be working to systemically work through and eliminate what the possible causes may be.”

The fire was contained shortly after crews arrived on scene.