Fire crews embroiled in a waiting game as they respond to a report of smoke

Nov 19, 2019 | 3:33 PM

Coldstream fire crews had to act with swift patience and precaution as they responded to a report of black smoke coming out of a shop under construction on Ravine Drive.

A neighbor reportedly saw smoke coming out of the shop and small flames through a crack in the door.

Deputy fire chief Colin O’Hara said safety had to be kept in mind because of back draft conditions, a lack of oxygen inside and the varying degrees of hot temperatures.

“It’s looking for oxygen. If we break a window or give it that oxygen, we are going to have one heck of a fireworks show here and we don’t really want that at this time. The inside of the building has quite a bit of fire load in it, cedar and what not. It has some chemical and some fuel as well. At this time we are at a waiting game,” said O’Hara.

According to the homeowner, plastic was also on the floor, and the property housed some small equipment.

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Temperatures taken from scene ranged from 43 degrees Celsius to 275 degrees Celsius.

”Those temperatures have dropped right now, they are siting around the 200 to 175 in other parts of the building, so it’s still pretty hot in there. And we’ve got to let those temperatures get down to the 20’s before we feel really comfortable.”

Minimal smoke could be seen from the shop and residents in the neighborhood could be heard criticizing the fire department for their stand-off approach. In response, O’Hara reiterated the importance of keeping everyone safe.

“For us it’s about our members and everyone going home safely to their families and if we go ahead and break a window or open a door, we are putting ourselves at risk and putting our members at risk. At the end of the day it’s life first and property second,” O’Hara said.

“I know it’s tough for neighbors and homeowners to sit here and watch us do nothing but it’s the safest thing.” O’Hara said.

Fire crews in Lavington were also called to the scene.

BC Ambulance attended as a precaution while RCMP directed traffic.

B.C Hydro also arrived to turn the power off.

A homeowner at the scene who declined to give his name said they bought the property nearly five years ago and construction began on the shop a year and a half ago. He also confirmed that the property has insurance.

by Tiffany Goodwein

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