An elderly resident was transported to Shuswap Lake General Hospital after her house caught on fire last Tuesday.
Fire chief Brad Shirley says firefighters responded to the residential structure fire at 220 Second Ave. SE at 5:11 p.m.
They arrived to find thick smoke quickly becoming open flame and the single occupant slowly making her way out of her home.
The woman had made it as far as an enclosed porch and was suffering from smoke inhalation.
“The fire was quickly knocked down, however considerable fire damage to main floor of the residence had occurred,” said Shirley. “Early indications are the resident had a fire on her stove and attempted to extinguish it without success.”
Crews were on scene for approximately an hour and a half. The woman was released from hospital the following morning.
Cause of fumes undetermined
The Churches of Salmon Arm Thrift Store was evacuated for a brief period Thursday morning as the fire department responded to a report of noxious fumes.
While a few people reported an odour, trouble breathing and watering eyes, members of the fire department were not able to find the source of the complaint. After airing out the store for a brief time, patrons were allowed back inside.
The fire department conducted air sampling tests, but nothing hazardous was found.
Paramedics were called in as a precaution, but medical treatment was not needed.
Many patrons continued their shopping among the outside items until allowed back into the store.