KFR on scene (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

EXPLOSION AND FIRE

Explosion, house fire in Upper Sahali knocked down by firefighters

Apr 2, 2025 | 7:24 PM

KAMLOOPS — Shortly after 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday (April 2), Kamloops Fire Rescue responded to reports of an explosion and structure fire on Springhill Drive at Crosby Road.

Four crews arrived on scene, with two other trucks turned back as KFR was forced to take a defensive attack.

“We had a bystander that called it in and pointed to this house and said when he was walking by, he heard an explosion. And as you can see by the looks of the house, it has shifted on its foundation,” said Platoon Capt. Will Harlock. “It is not safe for my firefighters to go inside. I think it’s moved a little bit since we’ve got here, too.”

Neighbours told CFJC News they heard a loud pop of an explosion, but noted the home has been abandoned for a number of months.

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“Just light smoke in the upstairs,” added Harlock. “But from the basement, when they were able to see inside there, there is a lot of stuff that has been collapsed in. It was a very quick look. When things started moving, they got out. And that is why we are working on the alpha side here.”

Cracked and shifted foundation (image credit – CFJC Today)

Kamloops Fire was able to due a quick search of the top floor, before retreating as the whole house shifted on it’s foundation.

“I don’t know what the cause is. I’m not 100 per cent if the utilities are still on. I have Fortis en route. BC Hydro is on it’s way, too,” said Harlock. “We still have to determine (if anybody was inside). My crew was able to do a check from the upstairs and did not find anybody and from what they saw of the downstairs from the outside, they did not see anybody. But with it being so unsafe it will have to be determined once that building is torn apart and moved out of the way.”

Fire investigators are expected to be on-scene Thursday (April 3).