Update, May 11, 2023: Fire Deemed Accidental
On May 2, 2023 at approximately 8:55 p.m. Sooke Fire Rescue tended to a structure fire at 6700 Steeple Chase. An investigation into the cause of the fire by Sooke Fire Rescue and the Office of the Fire Commissioner has determined the fire as accidental.
The affected structures at 6700 Steeple Chase are a total loss. Approximately 10 single-family neighbouring homes sustained damage, including broken windows, and melted siding roofing vents from radiant heat.
There were no injuries. One fire fighter was monitored for a short period and has since been cleared in “good health.”
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Four houses under construction destroyed. No significant injuries.
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 – At approximately 8:55 pm on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 Sooke Fire along with mutual aid partners including Otter Point Fire, Metchosin Fire and East Sooke Fire were dispatched to a structure fire at a construction site on Steeple Chase in Sooke.
Arriving at the scene, four structures at the construction site were fully engulfed. “Public safety and minimizing damage to the nearby occupied residents was our priority,” Sooke Fire Ted Ruiter said. “Thank you to our dedicated team and mutual aid partners for their quick response, and to the community for their support and cooperation.”
Approximately 30 firefighters and ten apparatuses including utility and medic vehicles tended to the scene, as well as Sooke RCMP, BC Ambulance and Fortis BC. Occupied residents nearby were evacuated temporarily.
The community also rallied. Neighbours supported each other to ensure one another’s safety.
The fire was under control by 9:50 pm with crews remaining on site managing hot spots and spot fires. Crews will remain on site throughout the day.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Those experiencing property damage should contact their insurance providers.
“Thank you doesn’t seem to suffice. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to our first responders including Sooke Fire and our mutual aid partners, Sooke RCMP and BC Ambulance and your families,” said Mayor Maja Tait. “The quick action of our emergency response teams prevented something that could have been a truly catastrophic event.”
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Media Contact:
Christina Moog, District of Sooke Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678 l e: cmoog@sooke.ca