Crews from multiple volunteer fire departments responded to a large fire affecting multiple buildings and vehicles on Southwind Dr. in Lantzville in the early hours of Wednesday, Oct. 6. (submitted photo/Julie Steward)

By Ian Holmes

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LANTZVILLE — Multiple buildings and vehicles were either destroyed or sustained significant damage after a large structure fire broke out across two properties in upper Lantzville.

A call for help was made just before 2:50 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct 6 to a home on Southwind Dr.

Lantzville Fire Rescue chief Neil Rukus said it took crews from multiple departments between 30 and 45 minutes to douse the flames.

“The building of origin is a complete write-off, the two RV’s will both be considered write-offs, the shop on the neighbours’ building has extensive damage to the side and the carriage house has heat damage.”

Rukus said there were no injuries.

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Since the area is served by wells without fire hydrants, immediate mutual aid calls were placed to Nanoose Bay and East Wellington volunteer fire departments for additional water support, Rukus said.

He noted they had ample water supply to get the job done.

“We have our automatic aid partners that are coming immediately upon a fire response to those types of areas,” Rukus said. “And over and above that we have a mutual aid agreement which would allow us to bring in a whole lot more water should we need that.”

He said fighting fires in rural areas is more challenging, especially in the summer time when a variety of fires can spread faster, requiring additional water.

“Lots of areas do not have fire hydrants to them in rural properties. This is something we practice and train for and we do work together with our mutual aid partners so we are ready to go when an event like this occurs.”

Large structure fires in Lantzville are rare.

Rukus said it has been about three years since a fire of this magnitude has occurred in the community.

Neighbour Julie Steward’s shop and cottage were damaged by the fire. She expressed concerns about local water supply capacity for firefighters, particularly during the dry months.

She said some form of restrictions on trees on vacant lots in the area would improve public safety.

“If this was the summer time that would have ignited this neighbourhood like we were surrounded by a bunch of matchsticks,” Steward told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes