Crews battled a large fire at a commercial building north of Courtenay on Wednesday morning. Multiple fire departments responded to the blaze, which engulfed a warehouse near Merville and Grantham.
The Courtenay Fire Department arrived just after 10 a.m. and was joined by teams from Oyster River, Merville, Comox, and Cumberland. The property’s owner was on site when firefighters arrived.
The warehouse, located at 6167 Tsolum River Road, contained solar panels on its roof and batteries inside. B.C. Hydro crews disconnected power to the building. Power remains off as emergency teams continue operations.
BC Emergency Health Services also responded at 10 a.m., but no one required hospital transport. There were no injuries reported among the responders or occupants.
Firefighters worked throughout Wednesday afternoon to put out remaining hot spots. An excavator was brought in to remove the metal roof, allowing crews to reach and extinguish fire beneath.
“When we arrived, flames were shooting 20 to 30 feet into the air,” said Bruce Green, Oyster River Fire chief. He explained that the roof had collapsed due to the intensity of the blaze.
Crews concentrated on preventing the fire from spreading to nearby homes and surrounding trees. “Our main goal was to protect neighboring structures while fully extinguishing the fire inside the warehouse,” Green added.
The building fire was described as significant due to the solar panels and batteries, which required careful handling to avoid hazards. Firefighters remained on scene for hours to ensure the fire was fully under control.
Authorities have confirmed that the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Green noted that there are no signs of suspicious activity at this time.
Residents in the area reported seeing thick smoke and flames visible from a distance. Emergency teams praised the cooperation between departments, which helped contain the blaze quickly and safely.
The Courtenay Fire Department and supporting crews continue to monitor the site, ensuring that hot spots are fully extinguished. The community is urged to avoid the area while fire operations continue.
Officials confirmed that the warehouse is severely damaged. There is no estimate yet for repair or rebuilding, and investigators are reviewing the structure to determine the full extent of the damage.
Fire response teams highlighted the importance of safety measures for commercial properties, especially those with solar panels and energy storage systems, which can create added risks during fires.
The prompt action of multiple fire departments prevented the fire from spreading to nearby homes and forested areas. Authorities continue to advise residents to remain vigilant and report any signs of smoke or fire in the region.
