Investigation wraps up in condo fire
After two days of intensive investigation, the file has been closed on the fire at 1000 Peaks Lodge in Panorama.
“We worked with engineers and the BC Safety Authority through the day Friday to complete the investigation. Due to the extreme heat in the area of origin, vital evidence was completely destroyed giving investigators no option other than to deem the cause undetermined,” says Columbia Valley Fire & Rescue Service Chief Jim Miller. “We have identified where the fire started and although the cause is undetermined, we can confirm that foul-play and human-related activities were not factors in the fire. It is a no-fault fire.”
The investigation took over a day and a half to complete. The building has been now been turned over to the Resort and its security team.
The fire, which broke out early Wednesday morning, completely destroyed the top floor of the 35-unit complex and caused extensive water damage throughout the building. “We do not have a damage estimate at this time; however, it will be significant,” adds Miller.
Firefighters from the Panorama, Windermere, and Invermere Fire Departments managed to keep the fire contained to the top floor of the building.
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