Update: Fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of a blaze that tore through a Sooke concrete plant late Sunday afternoon.
The South Island Concrete facility on Sooke Road, near Edward Milne Community School, was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, Sooke Fire Chief Kenn Mount told CHEK News. Firefighters from the Metchosin and Otter Point fire departments were called to assist.
They were able to keep the fire from spreading to outbuildings and nearby businesses. Equipment lost to the fire included forklifts, a hydraulic press, conveyer belts and plastic forms. Mount said the damage is estimated at $500,000.
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Fire crews responded to a substantial fire burning close to the Edward Milne Community School, off Sooke Road, on Sunday night.
The fire is believed to have started at around 5:30 p.m. Before night fell, area residents could clearly see smoke from the blaze
At 8 p.m. the Sooke Fire Department said, via Twitter, "with the support of our mutual aid neighbours, Sooke Fire Rescue has a commercial structure fire under control on Edward Milne Road. Fire crews limited exposures to further damage. Fire Investigators are on scene to investigate. Crews overhauling the damage and working hotspots."
With the support of our Mutual Aid neighbours Sooke Fire Rescue has a commercial structure fire under control on Edward Milne Road. Fire crews limited exposures to further damage. Fire Investigators are on scene to investigate. Crews overhauling the damage and working hotspots . pic.twitter.com/tCw4ispctp
— Sooke Fire Chief (@FireChiefSooke) February 18, 2019
The Sooke Fire Department was the first to respond to a report of the fire. Once they arrived on scene and ascertained the scope of the blaze, they called for assistance, with both Metchosin and Otter Point fire departments responding. There were reports that the fire was at a commercial establishment.
West Shore RCMP blocked off Edward Milne Road and asked the public to avoid the area as crews continue to battle the fire.
Wishing you all a safe night - that fire looks huge from across sookebasin pic.twitter.com/P8bcO4zG7L
— Wildergarden (@WildergardenBC) February 18, 2019
