At approximately 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon, a fire broke out at a house on the corner of 8th avenue and 13th street.
Fernie Fire Department and emergencies crews immediately responded to the scene. The house was entirely engulfed in flames, endangering neighbouring properties. Crews were still working hard at 7 p.m. to extinguish the fire.
While authorities cannot confirm the cause of the fire, bystanders and witnesses say they heard an explosion outside of the residence. According to one witness, the explosion was so loud she thought two semi trucks had collided outside of her residence.
Fire crews are working to locate the lone male occupant of the house. His dog was safely secured outside of the residence when the fire started.
More updates will come as information is made available.