Update: North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP say the fire is considered suspicious and it is under investigation by the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Serious Crime Team, Duncan Fire Department, BC Coroner Services and the Office of the Fire Commissioner
Police are asking anyone with information that could help the investigation to contact the detachment.
Two people are dead after an overnight fire at the Gala Vista apartments in Duncan Friday, Aug. 21.
Fire Chief Geoff Spriggs says crews from Duncan, Cowichan Bay and North Cowichan were called to the apartments around 2:30 a.m. and about 50 residents have been displaced.
“On arrival, there was a fire noted at the backside of the building in one of the apartment units and a number of people that either through 911 or that we could see and hear on balconies in units that weren’t able to exit the building because of the smoke in the hallways,” he said. “So our crews, all three departments worked really, really hard in some difficult conditions to get that access and assist bringing people out.”
Mayor Michelle Staples thanked the nearby Fishbowl Cafe for supporting people affected by the fire.
“EMS are on site as well working to support people and the Fishbowl Cafe has opened their door to support people for Gala Vista and community stepping in to offer donations,” said Staples. “Thank you everyone for your generosity, kindness and love to your neighbours.”
B.C. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Kelly Greene is offering 10 days of emergency support to residents unable to return home. The support will be co-ordinated through Cowichan Emergency Support Services.
The B.C. Coroners Service has confirmed it is investigating two deaths linked to the fire.
Spriggs said Emergency Management Cowichan has a reception centre set up and is working to fund accommodations for displaced residents. He adds there is no timeline for when residents will be able to return to the building.
The fire is under investigation by the department and RCMP.
