A fire in Van Anda on Texada Island resulted in the loss of the Van Anda Custom Works store on June 17.
Van Anda volunteer fire department deputy fire chief Mark Robert said firefighters received the page for the fire at 5:36 pm.
“Van Anda responded right away and we called in Gillies Bay volunteer fire department to assist with firefighting,” said Robert. “The structure that was on fire was fully engulfed and was a total loss, and the two structures next door both received heat and smoke damage. The Texada Food Market got some water damage but I believe they are going to try to open up tomorrow (June 19). It is nothing major.
“Our efforts were based on saving the two adjoining structures.”
Robert said that from Van Anda fire department, there was an engine and a rescue truck dispatched, and Gillies Bay had vehicles show up with their members, and also on scene was the water tanker from Lafarge to help fight the fire, because the firefighters were running low on water.
In terms of an investigation into the fire, Robert said he has not been contacted by any fire inspector yet, so he’s not sure if there will be an investigation.
The Van Anda fire department was on scene for about five hours after being dispatched, and went back the morning of June 18 to put out hot spots. Gillies Bay was on scene for about four hours. Robert said the two fire departments have an assist agreement for situations such as this fire.
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