Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department – Incident Update

At 7:33 p.m. on July 1, the Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Kenwood Road after being dispatched by Fire Dispatch. Sixteen firefighters responded to the incident. 

When the first engine—our new apparatus—arrived on scene, the residence was already well involved. All occupants and their dogs had safely evacuated. Farm animals on the property were protected and sheltered in place. 

Due to the extreme fire hazard conditions and nearby interface fuels, immediate action was taken to prevent the fire from spreading into the surrounding forest. Assistance was requested from all of our outstanding Auxiliary Teams to support front-line firefighting operations. 

Fortunately, humidity was increasing and winds were calm. However, the intense heat from the fire generated its own convection, carrying burning embers approximately 700 metres across North Cove Road. These embers ignited a second fire, which was quickly reported by a vigilant community member. Our bush engine immediately left the main incident to extinguish the new fire before it could spread. 

The BC Wildfire Service responded on the first ferry July 2nd to assist with wildfire suppression and assessment. The incident was declared under control at 10:20 a.m. the following morning. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately 15 hours, followed by another 7 hours of cleanup and returning equipment to operational readiness. 

We are deeply grateful for the support provided by our Auxiliary Teams: 

• Water Supply Auxiliary 

• Structural Protection Unit Auxiliary 

• Rest & Rehabilitation Auxiliary 

These dedicated volunteers supplied logistical support both at the fire scene and back at the fire hall. Well over 20,000 gallons of water was transported from Hunter’s pond to the Scene 1000 gallons at a time 

We also extend our sincere thanks to the many local residents who offered assistance, as well as representatives from Friends of Furries and Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre, Pioneer Camp. Special thanks goes to Stephanie Cottell, Captain of the Local Emergency Response Network, for coordinating Emergency Support Services for the displaced tenants. 

Additional assistance was provided or offered by the CVRD Emergency Support Services, BC Emergency Health Services, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the Penelakut Island Fire Department, and the BC Wildfire Service. 

While the outcome was devastating, we are thankful there were no injuries and that the wildfire threat was successfully contained. Two residents lost all of their belongings except the clothing they were wearing and the items in their pockets. The owners also lost their retirement home. The fire destroyed the two-unit residence, two vehicles, a trailer, and all possessions in and around the structure. 

Thank you to everyone who supported this response and for your continued vigilance during wildfire season. 

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck, Deputy Chief Chad L. Kerr 

Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department