The historic boardwalk at Telegraph Cove, a popular tourist destination just southeast of Port McNeill has gone up in flames.
In the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 31st, Port McNeill Fire Rescue said they had crews on the scene at Telegraph Cove to fight back the flames spreading across the boardwalk.
They have aid from neighbouring communities, such as Port Hardy, as well as volunteer firefighters as they attempt to save as much as they can of the historic site.
“The fire is burning under the boardwalk halting advancement and slowing extinguishment,” said Port McNeil Fire Rescue in a social media post.
“This is a devistating [sic] loss to the North Island.”
They added that while crews work to fight back the flames, fire crews need space to work and are being hindered by those who are going down to see the fire.
Based on the photo provided from Port McNeill Fire Rescue, the building engulfed in flames appears to be the historic building which houses the Killer Whale Cafe and Restaurant.
Telegraph Cove was established in 1912 as an old sawmill town.
Today, the site features an eight hundred foot long boardwalk and dock that surrounds the old village and restored original buildings.
Telegraph Cove is a popular first whale watching destination for tourists and even features a whale museum located along the boardwalk.
More to come as this is a developing story.
