On Monday, May 11, flames from a backyard blaze in Nanoose Bay surpassed the height of the property owner’s house.
Thirteen Nanoose Bay volunteer firefighters attended the call to Ida Lane, arriving just after 1 p.m. Fire Chief Doug Penny said he suspects the fire started as a controlled burn that ‘got away’ and spread due to winds and dry foliage.
There were no injuries and no structural damaged caused by the fire.
Shrubbery on the front of the property sustained heavy damage, as did a tall fence that protected the house on the other side.
READ MORE: No injuries reported as 5 departments respond to house fire near Parksville
Penny said while there were no issues with controlling the blaze it still took approximately 90 minutes to suppress. He said his department initially called for mutual aid from both Parksville and Errington, but soon after advised them to stand down once they determined the fire did not encompass any structures.
Neighbour Lou Suveges, who witnessed the blaze before firefighters arrived, said at one point the flames were higher than the property owner’s house.
“The flames reached way up to the trees there, burning some of the branches. It just took off,” he said.
Penny asks residents who practise controlled backyard burns to exercise caution and be wary of dry weather.
Information on fire bans and restrictions can be found at bcfireinfo.for.gov.bc.ca