Man escapes uninjured as fire destroys home near Courtenay, B.C.
One man escaped a fire that destroyed his home north of Courtenay, B.C., early Monday morning.
Fire Chief Kurt MacDonald says the blaze was called in at 2:30 a.m. on Langlois Road. The fire had consumed much of the home before firefighters arrived.
The fire was reported at 2:30 a.m. Monday on Langlois Road in Courtenay, B.C. (CTV News)
"Upon arrival our first-in crews found a fully involved home with the fire starting to get into the cedar trees and the bush that is surrounding it,” MacDonald said.
Courtenay firefighters were assisted by additional manpower and water from the Merville and Oyster River fire departments.
MacDonald says the fire had already burned off the roof and most of the exterior walls prior to their arrival. Crews had to contend with flames spreading in all directions and a second building that had ignited.
"We just started with the exposures first – they were our first priority with keeping the fire from spreading into the bush and also protecting the small shed that was off to the side of it," he said. "Once we got that under control we started back in and knocking down the flames in the house."
The fire was reported at 2:30 a.m. Monday on Langlois Road in Courtenay, B.C. (CTV News)
MacDonald says that while it is unfortunate the home was lost, the situation could have been much worse.
"There was lots of vegetation in close proximity to the house, lots of standing timber, lots of other fuels so it was very fortunate this fire was taking place towards the tail end of September when we’re getting into more fall conditions rather than July or August but conditions are still pretty dry" he said.
Courtenay firefighters responded to the blaze early Monday morning. (CTV News)
The lone occupant of the home escaped without injuries and was being assisted by emergency services. Crews have not yet determined the cause of the blaze.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.