A house fire in North Cowichan on Saturday morning ended with the arrest of one man and left a family homeless after their duplex was destroyed. Authorities confirmed the fire started during a police response to a domestic disturbance.
Police were called to a duplex on Westridge Road around 7 a.m. after receiving reports of a disturbance. According to officials, the situation escalated quickly, leading to the involvement of a specialized Emergency Response Team. Two ambulances were also dispatched, but medical staff confirmed that no one required treatment at the scene.
While police were still present, a fire broke out inside the home. Crews from the North Cowichan Fire Department were called in around 9:30 a.m. to tackle the blaze. Fire Chief Ron French said that when firefighters arrived, one side of the duplex was already fully engulfed in flames. Despite efforts to control the spread, the damage was so extensive that the home was declared a total loss.
Firefighters managed to contain the blaze in about an hour and a half. French added that their quick response prevented the fire from spreading to the other half of the duplex and nearby houses.
Authorities confirmed that one man was arrested at the scene and taken into custody in connection with the disturbance. The investigation into the exact cause of the fire is still ongoing. Police have not released further details about the man’s identity or potential charges.
The aftermath of the fire has left a local family without shelter or belongings. A resident of North Cowichan has since launched a fundraising page to help support the family, stating they had lost everything in the blaze. Early community response has shown an outpouring of sympathy, with neighbors and local residents sharing words of support.
One nearby resident described the scene on social media as “heartbreaking” and emphasized the toll the fire has taken on the family. The neighbor said this incident represents one of the most difficult moments the victims will ever face.
House fires can cause devastating losses within minutes, and this case highlights both the risks of domestic incidents escalating and the vital role of emergency services. The coordinated work between police, fire crews, and health responders ensured that no one was physically harmed, though the emotional and financial impact remains severe.
Local officials are urging residents to be aware of fire safety risks and to seek help when family disputes escalate. Community leaders stress that support services are available for both conflict resolution and emergency housing needs.
The community is now rallying together to support the family affected, with donations and words of encouragement flowing through social media and the fundraising page. The strength of local support has become an important step in helping the victims begin to rebuild after losing their home.
This incident has also raised awareness in North Cowichan about the importance of neighborhood vigilance, quick reporting of disturbances, and preparedness for emergencies. Authorities continue to investigate the fire while ensuring the displaced family receives the immediate support they need.
As recovery efforts begin, the family’s story serves as a reminder of how quickly lives can change due to unforeseen events. The combined efforts of emergency crews, law enforcement, and the wider community have helped limit the impact, but the road to recovery will take time and collective support.
