The senseless burning of a bench on the Crofton Seawalk has drawn the ire of residents.
The bench is located at the north end of the walk under the gazebo, but fortunately there was minimal damage to the bench or the wood decking.
“The fire was extinguished by users of the walkway that noticed the fire and extinguished it using a doggie bag,” noted Martin Drakeley, manager of fire and bylaw services for the Municipality of North Cowichan. “It’s nice that citizens are remaining situationally aware and assisting crews when needed. Many thanks to those involved as the damages could have been much worse if not spotted and acted on.”
Crofton’s Dan Robin indicated the incident happened Saturday night when a person or persons tried to burn down the gazebo at the ferry parking lot. The incinerated bench was just installed last year and he was also grateful for the work of the Crofton Fire Department to save the gazebo. The fire was apparently set on the deck below the bench.
Robin posted the incident on Crofton Facebook pages and most respondents were disgusted and calling for video surveillance.
“My worry is pyromaniacs get a thrill from this and may strike again,” he noted. “Got to get the word out to the public to be aware and report activities that are suspicious. The RCMP have a file on it and hope to get tips, of course.”
Robin urged everyone to ask around and provide any tips on who’s responsible by calling the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP non-emergency line at 250-748-5522.
The Municipality of North Cowichan worked quickly to make repairs to the bench.
“Amazing town we live in,” praised Robin. “Hope the culprit sees we care and are looking for him before it happens again.
“I must say that when a community pulls together, we can get stuff done in a hurry.”
Robin added the North Cowichan public works department and Mayor Al Siebring knew of the sad event Sunday and the repairs got done first thing the next morning.