A West Kelowna apartment resident suffered minor burn injuries after a fire broke out early this morning on the balcony of an apartment unit in the 2700 block of Riffington Place in West Kelowna.

The injuries were suffered when the lone resident tried to suppress the fire. The resident was treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to Kelowna General Hospital for further treatment.

The fire started at about 1:30 a.m., and when West Kelowna Fire Rescue arrived at the scene, the flames had been knocked down and the fire contained to the balcony of the main floor apartment in the two-storey garden-style condominium building.

Responding to the scene from West Kelowna Fire Rescue were three  fire engine trucks, one water tender and one command vehicle, involving a total of 16 fire department personnel.

Improper disposal of smoking materials is being blamed as the cause of the fire.

In a press release, the West Kelowna Fire Rescue said it  "would like to take this opportunity to remind our residents and visitors that smokers materials should be disposed of in a safe manner. If the resident had not noticed the fire and taken action this incident could have been much more severe. In this incident the resident was injured suppressing the fire. The actions taken are commendable however, citizens should ensure that their safety and the safety of others is the top priority while suppressing an incipient fire."

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