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Bird evacuated from potential Okanagan home fire

BX-Swan Lake firefighters were called to the home near Swan Lake just after 11 a.m. Thursday

A smoking sump pump in the basement of a home near Swan Lake was quickly addressed by firefighters Thursday morning.

BX-Swan Lake firefighters responded to a single-dwelling home on Elmwood Road off Highway 97 just after 11 a.m. BC Ambulance was also on scene (and the first to arrive), but the incident resulted in no injuries

At the scene, the resident said he turned off the power and called 911 upon seeing smoke coming from the sump pump.

All occupants exited the house safely — including a pet parrotlet named Petrie. The owner named the bird after his favourite character from the children’s movie, The Land Before Time. Petrie, a panicky and anxious pteranodon, was a humourous character in the 1988 film.

Deputy Chief Steve Hidasi reminds residents to ensure their sump pumps are properly installed and check their smoke detectors. He also advised those with animals to put a sticker on their door saying there are pets inside, so firefighters know to rescue animals if needed.

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