A fire at a Tofino duplex has displaced at least one local family.
The house was partially engulfed in flames when it was spotted by Tofino RCMP on a routine patrol of the 600 block of Alberto Road around 12:25 a.m. on Dec. 4, according to a Tofino RCMP media release.
Police immediately alerted the Tofino Volunteer Fire Brigade and began ensuring the safety of the occupants and surrounding residents, including the evacuation of nearby homes at risk of the spreading flames.
“The Tofino Volunteer Fire Department attended the scene and were able to extinguish the while containing it to the original residence,” the release states. “Despite the quick action of the Fire Department, the home suffered significant damage.”
A cause for the fire is not yet known, but Tofino Fire Chief Brent Baker planned to do an inspection Monday afternoon.
Baker told the Westerly News that extinguising the fire was a joint-effort between Tofino and Ucluelet’s fire crews.
“Everybody is safe and sound, as far as we know, pets included,” he said adding Ucluelet’s assistance is vital during emergency events. “It’s extremely valuable. We gain manpower, but also knowledge and expertise. It’s invaluable having that mutual aid agreement between the two communities.”
The RCMP noted the rapid response of first responders was key in everyone escaping the incident unharmed.
“The quick action of RCMP members and their presence of mind helped ensure the safety of the neighbourhood and occupants of the home,” the release states. “Although there is now a family displaced for the Christmas seas, the rapid response and effective actions of the Tofino Volunteer Fire Department helped prevent the spread of the fire and further loss of property.”