Campbell River RCMP are investigating the theft of a City of Campbell River fire rescue vehicle.
“A 2011 hybrid Ford Escape was stolen from the scene of a fire at 1800 Nunns Road the morning of Feb. 2 where it had been blocking Simms Road with emergency lights flashing to prevent traffic from entering the fire crew staging area,” says Campbell River RCMP Staff Sergeant Troy Beauregard.
The clearly marked red and white fire officer’s vehicle was found by the RCMP in the Comox Valley later in the afternoon, apparently undamaged. One female Campbell River resident is in custody in relation to the incident. Charges of Theft Over $5000 and Possession of Stolen Property are anticipated.
“This is the first time a fire vehicle has been taken from a scene, and the fire department is taking steps to equip vehicles with systems so that this cannot happen again in future,” says Fire Chief Ian Baikie.
Exhausted and hot Campbell River Fire Rescue members are attended to by BC Ambulance Service paramedics Roy Wharton (standing) and Danielle Robertson at the Nunns Road fire Monday morning. The health of firefighters is regularly monitored at fire scenes due to the extreme conditions they work in. Photo by Alistair Taylor/Campbell River Mirror
One person suffers smoke inhalation
One person was treated for smoke inhalation related to a fire at 1868 Nunns Rd. on Feb. 2.
“All occupants were able to escape the fire, however one person was transported to hospital by BC Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation and has since been released,” says Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Doherty.
“At 9:30 a.m., Campbell River fire crews responded to a report of a structure fire at 1868 Nunns Rd., where heavy smoke and fire were seen coming out of windows and the doorway on the front of the single storey residence,” the deputy fire chief says. “Fire crews initiated a quick attack from the outside to knock down the flames and then moved inside to stop the spread of the fire to the large attached shop at the rear of the house.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the cost of damage is yet to be confirmed.
“The fire damage is extensive in the front bedroom, with smoke damage throughout the structure,” Doherty notes.
“Campbell River fire fighters remind the public that working smoke alarms provide early detection of a fire, which greatly increases the chance of survival and reduces injuries when fires occur.
“Please make sure you have a working smoke alarm in your home.”