Update: Fire Chief Tim Pley said the fire was accidental and likely caused by "smoking material [that] ignited a love seat."
The Port Alberni Fire Department responded to an 8:30 a.m. house fire on River road this morning (Aug. 19). Three fire trucks and 16 firefighters were on scene to extinguish the fire.
"It appears the fire started on the ground floor," said fire Chief Tim Pley. The duplex was occupied by three residents.
"There was a neighbour who had a garden hose on it and did a lot to control the fire in the early stages," said Pley.
"He did a good job, probably prevented it from getting into the structure."
"Two occupants are in the care of ambulance, both with significant smoke inhalation and one of them with significant lacerations as well. I think he came through a window and got cut up."
The fire was put out quickly and by 9 a.m. fire crews were looking for unaccounted pets
(Update: Pets have since been found. See video of the rescued chihuahua puppies here.)
The cause of the blaze is yet to be determined.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com