Texada Island residents were surprised by a fire that started across from Gillies Bay General Store Saturday, July 1, Canada Day afternoon.
Both Van Anda and Gillies Bay fire departments acted quickly to restrict the blaze from spreading to a nearby forested area. According to Gillies Bay fire chief Rob McWilliam, "thirteen members were from Gillies Bay [fire department] and five from Van Anda fire department."
The fire crews worked together with three pump trucks and a water tanker to ease the blaze and after four hours the crews had restricted the flames from spreading.
McWilliam emphasized that their priority was to restrict the blaze and knock it down as quick as possible. The fire departments set up a pump truck outside the blaze sight and had crew check on the area of concern at 5 am and again at 10 am, to make sure the fire was completely out.
According to a recent Powell River RCMP report about the incident: "at approximately 3:54 pm, Texada RCMP responded to a residential structure fire. The Texada Island fire departments fought the fire for several hours.
Tragically, one person perished in the fire. An investigation was initiated and a fire investigator from the office of the fire commissioner attended the scene.
His examination determined that the fire was accidental and no foul play is suspected. The investigation is ongoing with the assistance of the BC Coroners Service."
