A family remains out of their home as fire investigators continue to determine the cause behind the blaze that severely damaged their home Saturday evening – the second fire in/near a garage or carport in the Courtenay area this month.
Flames could be seen coming from the garage at the home at 833 26 St., which follows another fire that began in the carport of a residence in the early morning hours May 1 in the 1700 block of McPhee Avenue.
Recently, a fire-damaged home was demolished in the 400 block of 17 Street following a September, 2017 fire which rendered the house uninhabitable.
In that incident, the fire appeared to have started in the carport.
Courtenay Fire Chief Don Bardonnex said while residents should take proactive measures, he cannot make a correlation between incidents until all of the investigations are completed.
“Take flammable items away from the carport – eliminate as many hazards as you can,” he noted.
Comox Valley RCMP media spokesperson Const. Monika Terragni confirmed all three fires are still open and active investigations.
“Investigators are considering all aspects of these fires. Whether or not the fires are related and whether or not there is an arsonist in the community are certainly among their considerations,” she added.
She said police are still looking for witnesses to any of the fires. Anyone who was in the area and saw or heard anything suspicious is asked to call the police.
“The residents of a neighbourhood are the experts regarding what belongs and what does not,” Terragni continued. “If you see something that does not belong in your neighbourhood, please call us.”