A fire in James Bay last week was stopped in its tracks thanks to an observant early riser who spotted flames using binoculars and promptly called 911.
The quick action, paired with the fast response from Victoria Fire Department crews, prevented what could have been a far more devastating incident at the Best Western Plus Inner Harbour Hotel on Quebec Street.
The incident unfolded shortly after 4 a.m. when a resident, scanning the area across the bay, noticed what appeared to be flames at ground level in a nearby park. However, upon arrival, firefighters identified the fire as originating on the northwest corner of the penthouse patio on the hotel’s eighth-floor rooftop.
With the fire alarm in the building yet to activate, the crew manually pulled the alarm to ensure guests were evacuated safely.
According to a social media post, Captain Chris Kelly quickly upgraded the response to a second alarm, requesting additional apparatus. Firefighters, aided by hotel staff who provided access to keys, navigated to the roof, where they found flames reaching five feet high and spreading into the building’s eaves and exterior walls.
The crew mounted an effective attack, suppressing the fire and containing it before it could spread further into the structure. Crews also worked to ensure no fire had extended beneath the rooftop decking or into the surrounding walls.
Despite the intensity of the blaze, firefighters minimized damage to the hotel by taking steps to remove water from suppression efforts, including using water vacuums to clear hallways and rooms below the affected area.
The Victoria Fire Department praised the sharp-eyed individual who spotted the fire and the efforts of the hotel staff.
“This morning’s response demonstrated excellent teamwork and preparation,” read a statement from the fire department.
In it’s statement, the Victoria Fire Department also highlighted the increasing need for specialized training and sufficient personnel to tackle fires in high-rise buildings, like the 52 structures over seven stories tall across the city.
“This incident serves as a reminder that the health, wellness, and staffing levels of our firefighters must remain strong as the city continues to grow,” they stated.
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