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Small outbuilding on the Halalt Reserve near Chemainus destroyed by fire

Backyard burn gets away, but firefighters quickly put out all other potential hotspots
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Firefighters cover the ground behind a house on Chemainus Road to make sure everything is completely put out with the tender dry conditions. (Photo by Don Bodger)

A small outbuilding behind a house in the Halalt Reserve quickly went up in flames Tuesday afternoon, but there was no other damage or injuries.

“It was a grass fire, a backyard burn that moved on to the structure,” said Crofton Fire Chief Matt Ludvigson.

A full complement of firefighters were on the scene from both the Crofton and Chemainus Fire Departments.

The shed was in the process of burning itself out when they arrived, but firefighters managed to stop it from spreading to the house or scorching more of the surrounding grounds.

Chemainus Fire Chief said the call to 8120 Chemainus Rd. went out as an automatic double page for the two departments.

The fire fighters concentrated on bordering trees and other items in the yard once the shed had been consumed and put out the hotspots quickly.

“It’s crazy dry already,” said Chemainus Fire Chief Al Irwin. “It’ll be better tomorrow.”

Rain is expected Wednesday, continuing for a few days with amounts to rival the entire amount of precipitation received in the area for all of March.

There was also a small forestry fire in the Copper Canyon area on the weekend, Ludvigson and Irwin confirmed, that has everyone on alert everywhere for potential wildfires in a season that’s starting far too early.

Residents are urged to exercise caution, especially with backyard burns that can easily get away in these conditions.

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A full complement of Chemainus and Crofton Fire Department members were on the scene. (Photo by Don Bodger)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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