If you’ve travelled up island on the Trans-Canada Highway towards Mill Bay, you’re probably familiar with the small plaza where many stop for a rest, a bite to eat, or whatever else they might need.
Quick thinking by A&W employees, located in the plaza next to the Shell gas station, is being credited with preventing a devastating fire from destroying the popular restaurant on Wednesday night.
Shortly before 10:30 p.m., Mill Bay Fire Rescue received an urgent call reporting a fire at the A&W location at 828 Deloume Road. The alert came from employees who had spotted the blaze and called 911.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke enveloping the building. Flames were initially observed in the back corner of the restaurant, which houses the customer washrooms.
An interior attack team made entry into the building, working quickly to bring the flames under control.
Video footage shared with Victoria Buzz showed large flames visible along the side of the building as fire crews battled to contain the fire.
Thanks to the efforts of the employees and quick arrival of the fire department, the damage was limited to the back corner, and the rest of the building was saved from severe destruction.
In a social media post, Mill Bay Fire Rescue commended the employees for their proactive measures.
“Kudos to the A&W employees who were working last night,” the department said. “They attempted to extinguish the fire with an extinguisher and called 911. Without your early reporting, the building likely would have been a full loss.”
The response involved approximately 20 volunteer firefighters from Mill Bay, including Chief in MB U71, Deputy in MB U77, MB Ladder 81, MB Engine 72 and Engine 74, and MB Rescue 73.
BC Hydro was also dispatched to provide additional support.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, it is not currently considered suspicious. Mill Bay Fire Rescue noted that the fire was contained to the back corner of the restaurant, and no further extension into the attic or other areas was reported.
Mill Bay Fire Rescue are crediting employees at an A&W along the Trans Canada Highway for preventing the restaurant from being destroyed by fire.
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— Victoria Buzz (@victoriabuzzes) August 8, 2024
