No injuries were reported despite the early morning nature of a house fire in Victoria on Jan. 10.
Firefighters were called to the 2200 block of Shakespeare Street in the Oaklands neighbourhood shortly after 2:30 a.m. after a neighbour called 911.
The Victoria Fire Department responded with seven pieces of equipment including the ladder truck and three engines.
Upon arrival, Battalion Chief John Kirkendale assumed command and conducted a size-up, according to a department post on social media.
“Smoke and flames were visible on the upper level at the rear of the residential home. It was quickly established that all residents had safely exited the house, and fire operations commenced,” the post reads.
The first engine on scene attacked with water to confine the flames until interior attack crews were ready to go in.
“Once crews accessed the second floor via an external stairway, they located the fire and began attacking it from inside. Most of the upper-floor ceiling had to be removed to ensure fire extension was fully mitigated.”
Victoria fire inspectors remained on scene throughout the day investigating the cause. Victoria police, BC Emergency Health Service and BC Hydro also attended the scene.
