A mobile home was destroyed but the possibility of a wildfire was averted Wednesday (May 24), according to Langford Fire Rescue.
Acting Assistant Chief Simon Chadwick said the department responded to a call about a large plume of smoke around Savory Road around 9 a.m., and the first crew on scene found a mobile home in a forested area fully engulfed.
Chadwick said mutual aid was immediately called for, and crews from View Royal Fire Rescue responded while Colwood Fire Rescue stood by to cover any other calls which may have come in on the West Shore.
The fire was able to be quickly extinguished and contained, though some of the surrounding trees and bushes had caught fire.
“It could have been extremely dangerous for us since it is extremely dry out there and this was in the bushes,” said Chadwick. “Thanks to the crews for a quick knockdown on this, but if it had gone any longer, it could have been a significant fire.”
Once the fire was out, crews searched for hot spots which could reignite the blaze, as well as for any indications the trailer was occupied at the time of the fire.
Chadwick said there were no indications anyone was in the trailer at the time of the fire and there are no reported injuries from the incident, but both it and the surrounding area had signs it had been occupied by people experiencing homelessness.
He said fires in homeless encampments are a concern for the department, but added there is no indication there has been any trends related to fires in encampments in the city.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but there are no indications the fire is suspicious, Chadwick said.
Recently, Chadwick said the department responded to seven separate fires caused by cigarette butts being improperly disposed of in as many days, describing each incident as being easily preventable.
The key advice is for residents to ensure they are disposing their cigarette butts safely, fully extinguishing them in metal buckets filled with sand or water and not in planter pots or mulch as those materials can easily catch fire. For smokers looking for an even more convenient option, Langford Fire Rescue offers free pocket ash trays outside Station 1 in the drop box, which is accessible 24/7.
READ MORE: Accessibility concerns remain year after Langford Station opening
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justin.samanski-langille@goldstreamgazette.com
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