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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.