A raging overnight inferno destroyed a barn near Courtenay and claimed the lives of several family pets.
Flames broke out around 11 p.m. and were spotted by a passing motorist who called 911.
“I could see what looked like a big bonfire in the distance,” said David Malinski. “It seemed strange to me for someone to be having a big bonfire after 11 at night.”
An off-duty firefighter camping in the area was the first to arrive on scene, and he and Malinski knocked on doors to make sure everyone was awake.
“I could see the property owner, she was concerned about her animals,” he said. “Apparently there were some [dogs] inside, and maybe a cat or two.”
By the time crews arrived everyone was safe, but firefighters could only mount a defensive attack because of the intensity of the flames.
Courtenay Deputy Fire Chief Kurt MacDonald said the blaze was fully involved and challenging to put out because there were no hydrants around.
“I saw a pretty good fireball shooting out of the west side of the structure and flames burning from one end to the other,” he said.
Crews from Courtenay and Oyster River battled a barn fire that broke out late at night Sunday, July 24, 2016. (CTV Vancouver Island)
A tanker shuttle and mutual aid from Oyster River was called in, and firefighters eventually managed to knock down the flames.
While cattle and horses were able to get clear, the family’s dogs and cats were unaccounted for.
Officials are still investigating the cause and aren’t certain whether it’s related to a grow-op.
“We have had the report that this is a legal grow-op but whether or not it had anything to do with the fire, it’s too early to tell at this time,” MacDonald said.
He said some farm equipment and a boat were in the barn and were destroyed in the fire.
Crews spent the night at the scene putting out hotspots and making sure the blaze didn’t rekindle.
There were no reports of any injuries.
With files from CTV Vancouver Island's Gord Kurbis
