Comox Valley RCMP are continuing to investigate the cause of a fire that damaged Too Good To Be Threw thrift store on Sunday.
According to Courtenay fire chief Don Bardonnex, fire crews, along with 19 Wing, responded to the fire at the 5th Street location at 12:08 a.m Sunday morning.
“The fire was on the outside of the building, it went up into the eaves and it was in the roof structure of the entire building,” he said.
Though crews had the fire under control in around an hour, Bardonnex said firefighters were at the scene for over four hours, ensuring it was safe to leave.
“The problem is when you have all the donations and whatnot – they had piles of books, piles of clothes – that all had to be dug through and overhauled to make sure the fire was out before we left,” he said.
As for the extent of the damage, Bardonnex said the roof structure is destroyed and there is extensive heat damage throughout the building.
Fire crews also forced entry into both buildings on either side of Too Good To Be Threw which both suffered smoke damage but no fire damage.
According to Cpl. Tori Cliffe with the Comox Valley RCMP, investigators are still actively working to determine a cause of the fire and are looking for information and witnesses.
Anyone with information should contact the Comox Valley RCMP detachment or Crimestoppers.
READ MORE: Too Good To Be Threw thrift store damaged in late night fire
The loss of Too Good To Be Threw is a big blow to the Comox Valley Transition Society who operates the thrift store.
According to Heather Ney, executive director of the CVTS, the store brings in hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to support women’s and men’s services like Amethyst House, Lilli House and counseling programs.
Though the organization is still working to determine their next steps, those wishing to help can make a monetary donation at their office at 625 England Avenue or online at https://bit.ly/2FRkcAL
