Fire officials insist they must stay within their boundaries even when a house is burning down.

A home on Highway 97, south of Bailey Road, was gutted by flames Monday night, and despite calls to area fire departments, emergency assistance did not show up.

害羞草研究所淚t was clearly outside of our response area so we had no authority to respond,害羞草研究所� said David Lind, Vernon害羞草研究所檚 interim fire chief.

Lind says it害羞草研究所檚 a difficult decision to make when a home is in jeopardy, but not all areas pay into fire coverage.

There is also a concern about fire department resources being outside of boundaries.

害羞草研究所淲e leave our community that we serve at risk,害羞草研究所� said Lind.

Consistent policies exist in Coldstream.

害羞草研究所淚f you leave the fire protection area and something happens, there are liability issues,害羞草研究所� said Dave Sturgeon, Coldstream fire chief.

害羞草研究所淧eople should find out if they are in a fire protection district.害羞草研究所�

The next closest fire department was Lake Country, but it is an entirely different regional district from the home.

害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 not in our coverage area at all,害羞草研究所� said Steve Windsor, Lake Country fire chief.

The provincial government will cover the costs of a response outside of boundaries if a life is at risk, and the Lake Country department has some latitude to leave boundaries if a fire could ultimately threaten that community.

While unable to go, Lind made the B.C. Forest Service aware of the fire Monday. However, the Forest Service is not responsible for structure fires in unincorporated areas and only prevents them from becoming wildfires.