Despite the valiant efforts of the Chemainus Volunteer Fire Department, assisted by the three other North Cowichan fire halls, and the Ladysmith Fire Department, a home on Winget Place in Panorama Ridge has been destroyed.
The neighbouring house sustained substantial damage but the efforts of the fire departments, neighbours and Chemainus businesses managed to save the home.
There were no injuries, and the owners of the homes were able to get out safely after the fire started on Monday morning.
North Cowichan fire chief Ron French says the cause of the fire is unknown but is not considered suspicious.
Tackling the aggressive blaze proved difficult since there are no fire hydrants on Panorama Ridge. Tanker trucks – one owned by the Chemainus mill – rushed to assist.
In an interview with CHEK News, French says the arrival of the tankers was a big help.
“The first arriving truck ran out of water for about four minutes by the time we had the water supply set up,” French said. “Then once we had the drop tanks of water flowing, we were able to keep up, so we didn’t run out of water after that.”
Each house was home to a couple, who are being assisted by neighbours and the North Cowichan Emergency Support Services.
In a social media post, the Chemainus Firefighters Association praised the community effort that mitigated the potential damage that could have occurred in the hot, dry conditions.
“The high temperature today and the lack of fire hydrants made it a challenge. Mike from the local Chemainus mill, Paulcan stepped up with his water tender to assist with the water supply, which really helped the fight.
“West Coast Pre Fab Ltd. also stepped up today with some freezies, Gatorade, and chocolate bars to the crew at the closest hydrant filling up the tenders. Some other people assisted by dropping off drinks at the scene,” the fire department said.
A massive effort by all crews, made easier by an amazing community that is always willing to help without being asked. Thanks Chemainus!”
Neighbour Jim Tyson was also impressed with the work of the firefighters.
“I live four houses from this one and watched them work,” Tyson said on Chemainus Shoutouts.
“They had to use more than one department and did an amazing coordinated job considering. We back on to thousands of acres of forest at the base of Mt. Brenton so if they had not got this out, we could have all been destroyed easily.”
