A home completely engulfed in flames on Mayne Island (Photo: Ian Phyper)
The owner of a home on Mayne Island living in Burnaby watched Saturday as smoke billowed from his Gulf Island house being destroyed.
Mayne Island Fire Rescue says they were called around 7:50 p.m. after some residents on neighbouring Galliano Island reported a large fire.
They arrived on the northern part of the Island to find a wooden structure completely engulfed in flames.
Large plumes of smoke could be seen in the sky.
Smoke from the fire seen from Galiano Island (Photo: Twitter @tara9547)
“Our main goal when we arrived was to contain it, it was apparent we would not be able to save the structure,” said Eric Walker, the deputy fire chief of Mayne Island Fire Rescue.
“The owner said he could see smoke from their high-rise in Burnaby.”
Eighteen total members with six trucks were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to the nearby woods or homes.
No one was home at the time of the fire, and no crews were injured while battling the flames.
The home is a total loss.
“The biggest thing is no one got hurt and the fire did not spread,” said Walker.
“It’s nice we have neighbours close by on the Gulf Islands keeping an eye on us.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation, however, crews suspect it may have something to do with the strong winds that hit the coast Saturday.
A downed power line was on the property when they arrived.
The owner is on their way to the Island to assess the damage and start the insurance process.
Julian Kolsut
