A squatter’s cabin in the forest just off south Sheppard Drive was levelled by fire in the wee hours of Thursday morning.
Nelson Fire Department received a report that a cabin was on fire at 1:21 a.m. and both on duty members responded immediately with three additional members responding from home.
“Upon arrival, the lone occupant of the cabin was waiting on the road and the cabin was fully involved with fire,” said Michael Daloise, assistant fire chief, in a press release.
There were no fire hydrants in the area so the water tender truck responded provide water for putting out the blaze.
“Fire suppression activities were hampered as the location of the structure was approximately 300 feet up the hill, off the road, with poor access,” said Daloise.
It is believed the fire originated on the roof of the cabin. The recent wet weather prevented the fire from spreading to the surrounding forest.
RCMP, EHS and four fire fighters responded with one fire engine, one tender truck and one utility vehicle. No injuries were reported though the structure is completely lost.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation but not believed to be suspicious.
Fire crews also responded to a report of smoke at the Kootenay Lake Hospital near 11 p.m. Wednesday.
When the crew arrived, “a strong odour of smoke was evident on the third floor hallway with the smell stronger in a room at the end of the hallway,” said Daloise.
Hospital staff initiated an evacuation of the adjoining room and assisted with locating the problem. In all, seven firefighters responded to the incident with two fire engines.
It was determined the smoke was from a ballast that failed in an older light fixture.
“Nelson Fire Rescue would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to call the fire department if they have any fire safety concern or need advice on where to place their smoke alarms,” said Daloise.