Several homes were evacuated Tuesday night after a large fire destroyed 4 residential buildings that were still under construction in Sooke.
That number is incorrect only 2 buildings were destroyed.Firefighters remained on scene Wednesday to extinguish hotspots in the debris.
Fire crews were called to the scene on Steeple Chase at 20:55 and found 4 (only 2) structures completely engulfed.
"Public safety and minimizing damage to the nearby occupied residents was our priority," Chief Ted Ruiter of Sooke Fire Rescue said in a statement.
Videos shared with CTV News show a large blaze spewing thick smoke into the sky in a newly constructed residential area.
Construction on four buildings has been on-going for about a year.The heat caused damage to neighbouring homes, including broken windows.
Approximately 30 firefighters and 10 vehicles were able to get the blaze under control by 21:50.
The rubble continued to smoke Wednesday morning as firefighters doused the debris with water.
Residents in the area say construction workers routinely work into the night on the residential project.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Author Unknown.
Article abridged - comments removed. Recent news comments state the cause of the fire was not suspicious. Latest information indicates the fire was caused by incompentent workmen torching a recently installed roof. Neighbours have been complaining since construction made it evident there would be at least four, three-story buildings, too large for the surrounding residential area. For the past six months there have also been complaints about late night construction noise. Peripheral damage occurred to the existing row of houses on both the north and south side of the fire site including melted weather stripping around windows, shattered window glasss, damaged soffets, damages shingles, warped hardieplank, sagging venetian blinds and scorched grass, but firefighters efforts saved major damage to the adjacent occupied homes. By 4 May 2023 several windows on adjacent structures were boarded up. A backhoe remained next to the burned out structures which it had flattened. Workmen continue constructing 2 similar buildings lying to the east of the fire damaged remains. All three news sources, CTV, Sooke News Mirror, and CHEK News reported 4 buildings/structures were destroyed but acturally only 2 were burned-out. Will local fire insurance rates now be increased?(likely no image with original article)
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