Skip to main content

No injuries after families escape duplex fire in Courtenay, B.C.

Firefighters were called around 8 p.m. Thursday. (CTV News) Firefighters were called around 8 p.m. Thursday. (CTV News)
Share

A two-storey duplex in Courtenay, B.C., was damaged by fire Thursday evening in a blaze that may have been started by a candle in a bedroom.

"There is a story of a candle, but crews will have to get in to determine that," said Courtenay Deputy Fire Chief Jonathan Welsh late Thursday.

"We’ll get back for an investigation [Friday,]" he said.

Crews were called to the home in the 1200-block of Joshua Place shortly after 8 p.m. and found heavy smoke and flames coming out of a second-storey window on one side, according to Welsh.

He says there were families in both sides of the duplex, including a care facility, but everyone was out and accounted for after the blaze.

They were being assisted by personnel from Emergency Social Services following the fire.

"Crews did a great job knocking down the fire," said the deputy fire chief.

"The oriented strand board (OSB) and everything, a lot of the newer construction can get away really fast, so crews did a great job of knocking that down," he said. 

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'

The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.

Stay Connected