UPDATE:
The Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department was called out to a house fire on Saturday (May 1) evening at the end of Clearwater Station Road.
Both occupants of the home got out safely.
Two fire engines, a couple of trucks and 12 Clearwater firefighters arrived on scene roughly 10 minutes after receiving the call at 6:13 p.m. Crews worked quickly to douse the fire which had quickly spread to nearby equipment and other belongings, such as vehicles, campers, ammunition and propane tanks.
BC Hydro also arrived on scene shortly after as the flames reached the long-hanging overhead wires, causing sparks.
Just before 7 p.m., Blackpool Volunteer Fire Rescue arrived on scene as mutual aid, with eight additional firefighters, two more water trucks and a bush truck.
The teams worked tirelessly into the night, leaving just after midnight, as the accumulation of various items and hazardous materials made it tough for the firefighters to get in closer and fight hot spots in the core of the blaze. They battled it from all sides, keeping it contained to the single property.
An excavator was brought to the scene to make a path for the firefighters to access some of the hot spots on the property.
Clearwater Fire Chief Mike Smith said they were called back to the scene the next morning, around 8 a.m. The excavator was brought back to the scene to move some of the heaver equipment out of the way so the firefighters could continue to battle the hot spots on the property. The fire was contained and the team left around 1 p.m. that afternoon.
The owner of the property, 86-year-old Lyle Dafoe, lost everything in the fire, and is currently staying at a nearby hotel until alternative housing is found.
During the fire on Saturday evening and in the days to follow, the Clearwater community has reached out to help the elderly man.
A GoFundMe was created by Keara Thorne on Monday, May 3, and by press time had raised $2,670, exceeding the $2,000 goal.
The Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department was called out to a house fire on Saturday (May 1) evening at the end of Clearwater Station Road.
The cause of the fire is believed to be a fire in the shop furnace, which was attached to the home.
EARLIER:
Two fire engines and a bush truck responded to the scene, along with BC Ambulance Service and local RCMP. The firefighters were working from all sides to contain the mighty blaze.
Those who were hoping to cross the blue bridge stopped and watched the spectacle, as various large items, such as cars and a camper, were overtaken by the fire. BC Hydro was also on scene as overhead wires sparked and were damaged.
Support from The Blackpool Volunteer Fire Department arrived on scene to assist with the blaze.
A member of the Clearwater RCMP who were on scene to help direct traffic, said both occupants got out of the home safely.
newsroom@clearwatertimes.com
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