An investigation is now getting underway to determine the cause of a large fire overnight in North Cowichan that heavily damaged the OK Tire store on Norcross Road near Highway-1.
The Municipality of North Cowichan says firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control several hours after it was first reported and are now mopping up.
Fire crews from all four of North Cowichan’s fire halls responded and were supported by firefighters from Duncan and Ladysmith Fire Departments.
The fire closed the nearby highway for several hours as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames that were visible for a considerable distance.
Highway-1 has since reopened.
The municipality says crews were able to contain the fire to an area where old tires were stored, but the building has suffered extensive damage.
Due to the heavy smoke from the fire, businesses in the area were advised to close air intakes for their ventilations systems.
Island Return-It was forced to close their doors for the day due to electrical complications from the early morning fire. They say they’ll be open again for January 3rd.
“We would love to say thank you to the fire departments who work tirelessly to extinguish the fire at Ok Tire. The Island Return It’s building has the power back on, nothing was touched,” says Sophy Roberge from Return-It. “From the island Return It’s team to the OK tire’s team. We are with you.”
