At least 10 people have had to find temporary homes after a fire ripped through the Oasis Motel and damaged four suites, some more extensive than others.
Members of the Ponoka Fire Department were called to the scene Saturday, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. after calls of a serious structure fire at the Oasis. Witnesses attempted to use fire extinguishers to stop the fire but it was too much.
Upon arrival the flames were clearly seen from the road. The fire extended to two adjacent suites, which caused a total of four suites to be damaged, said Fire Chief Jamie Wilkinson. Firefighters were able to quell the blaze.
Some residents were provided with temporary food and shelter by the Red Cross and Ponoka Victim Services until utilities to undamaged units can be restored. One resident was checked for smoke inhalation and released.
Crews did have to return two other times after the fire was rekindled but they quickly dealt with the issue before it got out of hand.
For their part, RCMP Ponoka Detachment said in the weekly press release that the fire was still under investigation.