A domestic disturbance in North Cowichan on Saturday morning ended with a house fire and the arrest of one man.
Police were called to a duplex on Westridge Road following reports of a disturbance. The situation escalated, prompting the deployment of an Emergency Response Team, according to local authorities.
Two ambulances arrived just before 7 a.m., but no one required medical attention, confirmed B.C. Emergency Health Services.
A fire broke out while police were still on the scene. The North Cowichan Fire Department was called around 9:30 a.m. to respond.
Fire Chief Ron French said one half of the duplex was “fully engulfed” in flames when firefighters arrived. He added that the damage to the home was severe enough to be considered a “total write-off.”
Fire crews worked quickly, containing the blaze within an hour and a half.
One man was arrested at the scene and taken into police custody. Authorities did not release his identity immediately.
A local woman started a fundraising page to support the affected family, saying they had “lost everything” in the fire.
Neighbors expressed shock and sadness at the incident. One resident shared on social media that the fire was “heartbreaking” and noted, “This is someone’s family, this is one of the worst days they will ever have.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Fire officials are reviewing the events leading up to the blaze, and police are continuing their investigation into the domestic disturbance.
Emergency response teams praised the quick actions of first responders for preventing injuries despite the intensity of the fire. Their prompt efforts helped contain the flames before the second half of the duplex was damaged.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that could pose a risk to public safety.
The fundraising campaign has gained attention online, with community members donating to help the displaced family recover. Local support underscores the community’s efforts to come together after a tragic event.
Officials said that while the house is a total loss, no one was physically harmed. They are now focusing on providing support for the family and completing the necessary investigations.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise from domestic disputes and the importance of timely emergency response. Authorities continue to review the case to prevent similar incidents in the future.
