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Early morning chimney fire displaces two Victoria families

No injuries were reported and officials peg the damage at up to $250,000
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Damage from an early morning house fire can be seen through the front window of 3028 Quadra St. The blaze was believed to have started in the chimney, though the homeowners and their 10-month-old baby escaped uninjured, as did two tenants of a basement suite below. Kristyn Anthony/VICTORIA NEWS

An early morning house fire left two Victoria families out in the cold as temperatures dipped below zero and snow fell overnight.

Firefighters encountered 30-foot flames upon arrival at the home in the 3000-block of Quadra Street, while responding to reports of a chimney fire shortly before 2 a.m. The homeowners — a couple with a 10-month-old baby — were able to vacate the building safely as well as a couple and their pet who lived in the basement suite.

Crews had to tear down ceilings to reach the source of the fire, deep within the attic and walls. No damage was reported to neighbouring houses despite the heat of the fire.

BC Hydro disconnected power and VicPD were on scene controlling traffic. Emergency Social Services were required as the couple in the lower suite needed housing for the night, to which BC Transit provided transportation.

The fire was contained to a portion of the attic space and front living room, though the suite below sustained heavy water damage. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation but damage is estimated around the $250,000 mark.

kristyn.anthony@vicnews.com