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UPDATED: Fire at Courtenay Arbutus RV in Merville

Blaze spread to propane tank shed, causing concern
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A fire at Courtenay Arbutus RV in Merville destroyed a couple of recreational vehicles, as well as a propane tank storage shed, which housed several propane tanks. Photo by Terry Farrell

A fire at Courtenay Arbutus RV in Merville Monday evening has destroyed one fifth-wheel trailer, extensively damaged another, and spread to a storage shed that housed propane cylinders.

Firefighters from Courtenay and Oyster River responded to the blaze.

“On arrival we found one trailer fully involved, with [fire] extending to another trailer, and a building on the side,” said Greg Lamb, of the Courtenay Fire Department.

The building was a small shed used to store propane tanks, causing concern for the firefighters on hand.

“That is the building where they house all their propane tanks, and there [were] multiple propane tanks around that building,” said Lamb. “We were able to cool that off before any explosions happened.

“Any time you are dealing with any kind of compressed gas, there is always the danger of explosion, and you want to cool it as quickly as you can.”

There were some small explosions heard during the fire. Lamb said it’s possible those were smaller fuel canisters.

“Those little explosions could have been small cans, or the tires themselves.”

The investigation into the cause of the fire continues.

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Terry Farrell

About the Author: Terry Farrell

Terry returned to Black Press in 2014, after seven years at a daily publication in Alberta. He brings 14 years of editorial experience to Comox Valley Record...
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