The Victoria Fire Department was just finishing up dealing with an incident on Wharf and Johnson streets when a call for Wharf and Swift streets came in.
At Wharf and Johnson, it was first believed there was a fire in the Salvation Army building. Later, fire crews learned it was plywood burning between the two buildings.
“It wasn’t actually the buildings in question that were burning, it was some material left from doing the foundation,” said John Kirkendale, acting battalion chief with Victoria Fire.
The cause is not determined at this time.
The Salvation Army and the building on the other side of Waddington Alley had no damage or smoke inside.
Shortly after, crews were called over to Swift Street to assist with a building evacuation, along with Victoria Police, and the CRD HAZMAT team, according to a tweet by Victoria Police.
Officers are on scene to assist @VictoriaFire730 & @crd_bc HAZMAT w a building evacuation in the 400-block of Swift St. It required #GVERT assistance as specialized training & equipment was needed. There is no risk to public safety. #yyj
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) December 29, 2022
The Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team assisted as specialized training and equiment was needed, but there was no more information available about the incident.
BC Emergency Health Services tells CHEK News two ambulances responded and one patient was taken to hospital.
Laura Brougham
