Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
During a structure fire in Athalmer Friday morning, it was proven that dogs are not only a man’s (and woman’s) best friend, but also life savers.
This was the case for an Athalmer Road couple who was lucky to escape a fire in their home thanks to their dogs.
Jon Tames, deputy chief of the Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service, said they responded to a fully involved structure fire in a recreational vehicle home just after 7 a.m.
“Upon arrival, we learned the couple’s dogs woke them up alerting them to the fire and they were all able to escape safely. Sadly, their RV home is a total loss, as is an adjoining outbuilding.”
Tames acknowledged the excellent work of their firefighters in containing the flames to this isolated area. He noted there are several nearby structures and businesses that “could have also been seriously impacted had the fire grown.”
Eight members of the Windermere Fire Department responded to the call, with two pieces of apparatus. BC Ambulance and RCMP were also dispatched.
There were no injuries as a result of the fire and the couple has been offered support services.
The fire has been fully extinguished. The cause remains under investigation but is not deemed to be suspicious at this time.
