1 dead, 17 displaced after an apartment fire in Kelowna

One woman was found dead and 17 people were displaced after a fire at two-storeyapartment building in Kelowna, officials said.

Fire crews found smoke and flames coming out of a second-storey window, when they responded, along with the RCMP, to a call to the blaze at736 Bernard Ave., around 5:30 p.m. PT on Friday.

A 42-year-old woman died as a result of the fire, according to RCMP and17residentshad to receive emergency support services.

"We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim and will be providing any necessary support services,"RCMP Cpl. Michael Gauthiersaid in a statement.

The Kelowna Fire Department containedthe blazeto the suite and stayed overnight to ensure the fire was fully out and that there were no hotspots.

The fire department, which sent four fire engines to the scene, saiddisplaced residents were taken in a bus to a reception centre, and animal rescuers removed several cats from the apartment building.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and no further details were immediately available.