Three yachts sank after a fire broke out at Van Isle Marina in Sidney, British Columbia, on Sunday morning. Firefighters responded to the scene just after 7:30 a.m. PT, observing a significant plume of smoke visible from nearly a kilometer away, according to Sidney Fire Chief Brett Mikkelsen.
Marina Fire Consumes Three Vessels
Upon arrival, crews found three vessels, each between 65 and 70 feet in length, fully engulfed in flames. While firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent boats, the three affected yachts ultimately sank in their slips. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and no one was aboard any of the vessels at the time of the incident.
The fire department estimates the blaze had been burning for 15 to 20 minutes before they received the call. The Canadian Coast Guard was dispatched, with the CCGS Cape St. James and CCG Ganges Station responding to the scene. Pollution containment measures were immediately established, and the Coast Guard’s marine environmental and hazards response program is working with marina officials to monitor the situation.
Western Canada Marine Response Corporation has been engaged to handle cleanup efforts. The B.C. Environment Ministry has an emergency response officer on site, and the Coast Guard is developing a comprehensive environmental response plan. An investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted once the hulls of the sunken vessels can be safely accessed.
Specialized Equipment Aids Response
The Sidney Fire Department utilized a specialized marina fire protection trailer, equipped with carts designed to navigate the narrow docks and gangways common in the area’s marinas. The trailer also includes high-powered pumps capable of delivering 540 gallons of water per minute, a resource Chief Mikkelsen noted is crucial given the prevalence of marinas in the five-square-kilometer town.
Some fire damage was reported to the dock infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did the fire burn before firefighters were alerted?
The fire department believes the fire was burning for at least 15 to 20 minutes before they were paged, according to Chief Mikkelsen.
What is being done to address potential environmental impacts?
Pollution containment was established immediately, and the Canadian Coast Guard’s marine environmental and hazards response program is liaising with marina officials and monitoring the situation. The Coast Guard is also developing an environmental response plan.
Will the cause of the fire be determined?
An investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted once the hulls of the sunken vessels can be safely accessed, according to Chief Mikkelsen.
What factors might have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire at Van Isle Marina?
