Updated Dec. 30, 2011 to correct the age of the deceased

Note: The correct age of Mr. Botkin is 25, not 29 as previously stated.

VERNON - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of the volunteer firefighter to who died on the morning of Dec. 29, 2011, while fighting a fire in Enderby.

The deceased is Daniel Botkin, aged 25.

Mr. Botkin was one of 24 volunteer members of the Enderby Fire Department. The fire department was called to a fire at the Sperlich Log Construction site on Brickyard Road at about 4 a.m. on Dec. 29. Shortly after 5 a.m., it appeared the fire was under control when there was an explosion in a shed attached to the main structure. Mr. Botkin died in the explosion, and a second firefighter suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The BC Coroners Service and the RCMP continue to work closely with the Office of the Fire Commissioner and WorkSafeBC to determine the cause of the fire and explosion.

The BC Coroners Service expresses sympathy to the family, friends and fellow firefighters of Mr. Botkin.

For more information, please contact:

Barbara McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253 (Direct line)
250 213-5020 (Cellphone)

Gord Molendyk
Spokesperson
Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP
250 260-7161 (Direct line)
250 308-7288 (Cellphone)