A mobile home is completely destroyed following a fire in Comox, where video shows the structure engulfed in flames Wednesday morning.
Just after 8 a.m., firefighters from Comox Fire Rescue were called to the trailer park on Wilkinson Road for a report of a structure fire, says Comox Fire Lt. Brent Craven.
One trailer is “written off, as well as several cars,” says Craven, adding that while nearby trailers were also damaged, the outcome for these structures could have been much worse.
“Quick response from our members saved several other trailers in the neighbouring vicinity of the trailer,” he said in an interview on scene.
“The close proximity of houses, as well as the vinyl siding, as you can see on some of the houses, has melted quickly.”
Smoke alarms ‘saved lives today’
Craven says there were no reports of injuries, though video captured at the trailer park shows paramedics with BC Emergency Health Services arriving on scene.
He says there were also small explosions heard during the fire.
“They could have been from propane barbeques or small little camping propanes, as well as the cars themselves have a lot of cylinders inside of them in terms of shock absorbers that could be going off. So it was quite showy when we arrived,” said Craven.
He’s also crediting fire crews for mitigating the flames.
“A good, fast, professional response from all our members. We were able to contain the fire to the structure involved, and again, making sure that no one was injured in the fire,” he said.
“Smoke alarms definitely saved lives today.”
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According to the B.C. government, smoke alarms are cost-effective devices that can alert occupants of fire at its early stages, which saves lives and prevents injuries.
“Smoke alarm requirements were introduced into the BC Building Code in 1979, and have been mandatory in all dwellings and sleeping accommodation rooms since then,” the province says.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, adds Craven.
Find more fire prevention resources here.
Photos supplied.
Ethan Morneau
