Members of the Courtenay Fire Department fought a structure fire Wednesday shortly before noon.
The fire quickly spread through a manufactured home in the 2600 block of Cumberland Road in Courtenay and could have moved to neighbouring properties.
There were reports of smoke and fire emerging from the home. A dark plume of smoke could be seen throughout the Comox Valley towards the west end of Courtenay. Two occupants were able to get out of the home. Ambulance attendants checked one man for injuries as a precaution. Emergency Support Services (ESS) attended and found accommodations for the two people and a dog.
Fire chief Kurt MacDonald said when he arrived about half of the home was fully involved, as the fire spread through the structure quickly. A vehicle and cargo trailer were also on fire.
“There was lots going on when I showed up,” he said.
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As well, a nearby cedar tree was “candling.” He said this could have been more challenging had the fire happened during the summer when the area is dry.
“We were able to prevent the fire from extending to the neighbouring properties,” he said.
As far as the cause, MacDonald expects it to be difficult to determine exactly how it started because of the fuel load in the trailer and how advanced the fire was, though they do know where it started.
“When the damage is this extensive, it’s really, really challenging to find a definitive cause,” he said.
Traffic was down to single-lane alternating along the stretch of Cumberland Road, as the crew battled the flames. The department sent four trucks, along with 20 firefighters after the call came in at 11:47.
Courtenay Fire Department also received a second call for service in Dove Creek following a dropped 9-1-1 call around the same time indicating a fire in the area. Comox Fire Rescue is attending the call as part of their mutual aid agreement.
(The original post had an incorrect address.)
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