Early Morning Fire Causes 'Extensive Damage' To Campbell River Building

The cause of an early morning fire in Campbell River yesterday is still under investigation.

Fire broke out at the Laichwiltach Family Life Society about 330am yesterday morning.

The building was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported.

The fire did not spread to neighbouring buildings, but a nearby residence was evacuated as a precaution. Campbell River Fire also got help from fire fighters from Oyster River.

4th Avenue was closed to traffic until mid-afternoon.

The fire scene was made secure and the road was reopened to the public by mid-day.

“Approximately 30 career and paid-on-call firefighters responded, working diligently to manage this fire,” says Assistant Fire Chief Stephanie Bremer.

“Campbell River's dedicated career firefighters and paid-on-call firefighters work alongside one another to support the entire Fire Department's efforts to safeguard our community. Thank you to all the firefighters and to all the employers who allowed paid-on-call firefighters to respond.”
School District 72, which owns the building, issued a statement thanking the Campbell River Fire Department “for their swift and effective action in containing the fire and ensuring everyone's safety.”

The statement said the district is committed to assisting the Laichwiltach Family Life Society as they navigate next steps and is ready to offer resources or help their recovery so that they can continue their work.

The Laichwiltach Family Life Society describes itself as a multi-service organization that services Aboriginal people throughout the region.

Its website says it has “worked in a caring, collaborative, culturally based way to create a safe environment and circles of care, healing and wellness for First Nations and Metis families over the last 20 years.”

The society provides direct service to over a 1000 people a year.