Comox Valley RCMP Continue Investigation Of Cumberland Fire

Comox Valley RCMP continue to investigate after a fire in Cumberland's Coal Creek Historic Park last week.

Comox Valley RCMP continue to investigate after a fire in Cumberland's Coal Creek Historic Park last week.

Last Wednesday, September 7, 2022, a structure fire was extinguished in the park thanks to the combined effort of Cumberland Fire Rescue, the Courtenay Fire Department, and the BC Wildfire Service.

The joint response contained the fire with minimal spread into the adjacent Cumberland Community Forest Park.

The structure fire occurred at the historic property known as the ‘Souther Farm’ and resulted in a destroyed barn, a handful of torched vehicles, a heavily damaged house, and several scorched trees.

The house was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

The farm dwelling and structures were previously under private ownership, a unique legacy that the Village inherited at the time of park creation.

The Village assumed control of the structures earlier this summer in cooperation with the previous owner’s family after his death last year.

At the time of the blaze, the Village was working on long term site cleanup plans.

The Village will now move forward to complete a hazard assessment to inform next steps.

This work will also consider the complex site access issues recognizing the farm is surrounded by wetlands and mature forests.