A man escaped a burning house in Coombs on Tuesday morning by a back balcony.
Coombs-Hillier Volunteer Fire Department Chief Aaron Poirier said his department got the call at 3:25 a.m. Tuesday and headed to the residence at the west end (house number 3038) of Palmer Road. When firefighters arrived, the lone occupant was out of the house.
"He escaped via the back balcony prior to our arrival," said Poirier.
The chief said the Coombs-Hilliers department was aided by firefighters and emergency personnel from Qualicum Beach, Dashwood, Errington, Parksville, the B.C. Ambulance Service and the RCMP.
"It was a big fire," said Poirier. "But everybody went home safe."
Poirier said the fire seems to have started in a central area of the home. No dmage estimates were available.
The investigation continues.
"It does not appear to be suspicious in nature," said the chief.