Firefighters Make Narrow Escape in Oyster River Blaze
In a tense situation that unfolded in Oyster River this Thursday afternoon, two firefighters narrowly avoided injury while responding to a structural fire in a deserted residence. The critical moment came when the floor beneath them gave way, underscoring the unpredictable danger of battling fires in unoccupied buildings.
Bruce Green, the fire chief of Oyster River Fire Rescue, recounted the incident with relief, noting the immediate shift to prioritize firefighter safety above all. “The moment we realized our team was in danger, we switched tactics to an external attack, emphasizing the importance of keeping our crew safe,” he stated.
The fire service was alerted to the situation in the 2300 block of Catherwood after reports surfaced of electrical malfunctions and smoke emanating from the structure. Upon arrival, firefighters were greeted by the sight of smoke billowing from the roof, signaling the need for swift action.
According to Chief Green, the signs of electrical hazards were evident from the onset. “We could detect the crackling sounds of sparking and observed flames beginning to engulf the interior of the house,” he explained, highlighting the immediate dangers the team faced.
The house, which has stood unoccupied for many years, is located a short distance from the fire department, easing the response time. The property is owned by a couple who have made their residence in a trailer adjacent to the fire site. A primary goal during the firefighting efforts was to prevent the blaze from spreading to their home.
Across the street, concerned neighbors took action to protect their property against the possibility of flying embers, a risk heightened by the dry conditions of the season. One was observed dampening her vehicle and lawn, a precautionary measure to thwart the fire’s expansion. This concern was shared by Chief Green, who acknowledged, “With the onset of a fire ban tomorrow, our vigilance against the spread of embers is heightened, especially in these parched conditions.”
The firefighting efforts were compounded by the presence of live power lines, posing an additional risk to the safety of the crew. It wasn’t until a team from BC Hydro arrived to cut the power that the situation was fully brought under control. Surprisingly, the homeowners were unaware that the house was still connected to power. “The owners believed the power had been disconnected and were unaware of an active line directly from the pole that contributed to the electrical issue,” Green added, shedding light on the cause of the fire.
The incident in Oyster River serves as a stark reminder of the hazards firefighters face, especially when dealing with abandoned structures and unpredictable elements such as live electrical wiring. Thankfully, due to the prompt and cautious response of the Oyster River Fire Rescue team, what could have been a tragedy was averted, with no injuries reported. The community breathes a sigh of relief as their firefighters return safely from the fray, ready to face the next challenge.
