One person was treated for minor burns but is otherwise OK following a fire at the Twin Gables Motel in Crofton Monday morning.
North Cowichan’s Crofton, Chemainus and South End Fire Departments responded to the call at 7 a.m. One of the units in the complex was fully engulfed when they arrived.
As the ferry pulled in at the Crofton terminal just metres away, flames were licking out from the roof of one of the series of buildings that makes up the property. At least two of the buildings on the property have been condemned in recent years, while others are still long-term rentals. It was in one of these latter buildings where the fire was centred.
“It’s gone through the roof into the first section,” said Martin Drakeley, the manager of fire and bylaw services for the Municipality of North Cowichan.
About 22 firefighters were on the scene.
“As usual, they get here and knock it down early,” noted Drakeley.
Firefighters were already mopping up by 8:30 a.m. after less than an hour and a half of intense work to extinguish the flames.
Drakeley said a second occupant of the building checked by B.C. Ambulance Service personnel did not require treatment.
B.C. Hydro was called to cut off electricity in the area and Fortis BC to cut off the gas supply while the firefighters did their work.
“The owners have been notified,” said Drakeley at the scene. “At this time, we’re just waiting for the fire investigator to show up.”
Mike Dunn, a fire inspector for North Cowichan, was conducting an investigation to try and determine a cause.
