A dozen people are homeless and a pet was killed after fire ravaged a century-old home in Victoria Monday morning, but firefighters say it could’ve been much worse.
No one was injured after flames broke out at the Tudor-style home at 811 St. Charles Street at around 9:10 a.m., according to fire officials.
Viewer video caught flames shooting out of a top-floor window as thick smoke poured from the roof.
Erin Dopko, who lives beside the home, said she spotted smoke as she was letting her dog outside, and that’s when the quick-thinking neighbour took action.
“The door was closed, but I could hear voices from inside yelling ‘call 911,’” she said.
Dopko heeded their advice, calling emergency responders, and then entered the building.
“I knocked on the door and a guy let me in. A few people were running around. I went to some doors and knocked on them and then pulled the fire alarm,” she said.
Within minutes, some 17 firefighters and three engines were staging an assault against the blaze.
“When we can be here in two minutes or three minutes, it makes a huge difference. I’ve seen smaller fires with way more damage,” said Victoria Fire Battalion Chief Paul Kowalyk.
Though all residents made it outside and only one had to be treated for smoke inhalation, one cat died in the blaze, according to fire officials.
The house itself was saved from total destruction – only two suites suffered fire damage while a number were affected by smoke and water.
Investigators said it appears the blaze was likely sparked by an oil lamp, but the cause has yet to be confirmed.
Emergency social services won’t say how many of the tenants had insurance, but will offer all residents housing support for the next three days.
The home was built in 1905 and given heritage status in 1985, according to the Victoria Heritage Foundation.
Flames shoot out of the top-floor window of a heritage home on St. Charles Street in Victoria, B.C., Monday, Sept. 7, 2015. (Courtesy Jim McKenna)
