100 Mile Fire Rescue responded to an early morning structure fire at Hillside Community Church on Exeter Truck Route.
Fire Chief Dave Bissat said they got the call at approximately 3 o’clock (March 30) and upon arrival encountered a property representative who had responded to a burglar alarm and used a fire extinguisher on the exterior of the building.
Bissat said the use of the fire extinguisher helped slow the progression of the fire prior to the department’s arrival.
“Due to this early detection and initial action it allowed firefighters to conduct an effective interior fire attack. Crews made entry into the structure that was heavily charged with smoke, and located an active fire in a sound room that had burned through the floor and had been burning for some time. Crews quickly brought the fire under control followed by salvage and overhaul operations, and ventilated the building using positive pressure fans.”
He said mutual aid was requested early from the 108 Mile House Volunteer Fire Department for additional water supply.
“The fire was contained to a single area of the building,” Bissat said, “however the structure sustained smoke and water damage. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and is not believed to be suspicious in nature.”
In total 20 firefighters and 7 apparatus responded to the incident and there were no injuries.
BC Ambulance Service, RCMP, and BC Hydro also attended the scene.
Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing cariboonews@vistaradio.ca.
