A fire at a gas station in Comox sent a large black plume of smoke in the air that could be seen throughout the Comox Valley Saturday (May 20) night.
Shortly after 7 p.m., there were reports of the Comox Esso at 648 Anderton Road catching fire. The Comox Fire Rescue, as well as the Courtenay and Cumberland fire departments, responded to the scene.
Fire at the Esso in Comox tonight. Footage supplied by Daimon Hansen. pic.twitter.com/mRmOViICbU
— Connor McDowell (@ConnorCVRecord) May 21, 2023
“The Comox fire department (was called) for a motor vehicle fire, just before 7 p.m.,” Comox Fire Rescue Capt. Pascal Lafreniere. “A car had run into the fuel pump at the Esso gas station, which quickly resulted in a car fire that led to a structure fire.”
Reports of fire in #Comox near the Esso on Anderson Road. More to come pic.twitter.com/lXMWN5Bp3i
— Comox Valley Record (@CVRecord) May 21, 2023
The Comox Valley RCMP closed access to Anderton Road as firefighters battled the blaze both from the ground and using ladders to douse the fire from above.
Fortunately, there were no casualties in the fire.
“There were only a couple of minor injuries,” said Lafreniere. “We had a case of smoke inhalation and the person from the car, (though I’m) not sure of the extent of their injuries, I believe they were more shaken up than injured.”
Mutual aid was provided by the local fire departments from Courtenay and Cumberland, as well as assistance from the RCMP, paramedics and BC Hydro. The fire was under control by 8 p.m. and extinguished by 10 p.m.
In a statement posted on social media, Comox mayor Nicole Minions noted she is grateful for the work of the 22 firefighters deployed on the scene and for all the support provided by first responders. Minions also sent her best wishes to the victims of the blaze.
“Sending the small business owners our thoughts and community support this evening and into the future,” she added.
photos@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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