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‘Small town, big heart’ — Oliver family thanks community for support after house fire

Over 20 firefighters arrived to the garage and top floor engulfed in flames
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A house fire on Merlot Avenue in Oliver Wednesday night is being investigated. (Submitted)

The Oliver family who lost their house to fire last week want to thank the community and fire department for their support during this difficult time.

Oliver Fire responded to a house fire on Merlot Avenue Wednesday evening around 6 p.m.

The Pavao family, who lived in the home asked the fire department to share a message of thanks to the ‘small town with a big heart’.

The Pavao family, Frank, Irene, Brad, Jen, and Mel are all feeling ‘unbelievably grateful for all your bravery and perseverance in your attempts at saving our home,’ the message reads.

“Frank and Irene are long time residents of Oliver and have worked and raised their children in this town. The love and support felt from the town has been amazing,” writes the Pavao family. “We are devastated, but feel hopeful knowing we have the towns support behind us.”

First arriving firefighters found the garage and a room on the top floor fully engulfed in flames.

Crews made quick attacks to the garage and top floor to knock the fire back and avoid further spread to the rest of the home.

Crews were on scene for approximately two hours but had to return in the middle of the night when the roof caught fire. There were two engines, one rescue, one water tender and one utility vehicle on scene with 20 firefighters.

There is extensive damage to the west portion of the home and smoke and water damage to other portions.

The cause is unknown and an investigation is ongoing, said Oliver Fire.

When Oliver firefighters arrived the garage and top floor were on fire. (Oliver FD)
When Oliver firefighters arrived the garage and top floor were on fire. (Oliver FD)

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Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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