A truck fire near Parksville brought traffic to a standstill on the Island Highway on August 13, causing a temporary closure of northbound lanes. Emergency crews acted fast to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of motorists in the area.
According to local fire officials, the incident happened about 200 metres north of the overpass at Exit 46. The vehicle involved was a diesel-powered pickup truck that had stalled and would not restart. Shortly after the breakdown, smoke began to rise from the engine compartment.
The driver, who was traveling with two passengers, said they quickly exited the vehicle and removed personal belongings. Within moments, flames consumed the entire engine compartment and spread to the passenger area. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Fire Chief Marc Norris confirmed that Parksville Fire Rescue was called to the scene immediately after the fire began. Crews responded with a duty command vehicle, an engine, two water tenders, a ladder truck, and 14 personnel. Two of the water tenders were used to supply water, while additional support came from a tanker provided by the Errington Volunteer Fire Department.
Upon arrival, firefighters closed the northbound lanes and the on-ramp to ensure safety while tackling the fire. Traffic was halted as thick smoke filled the air and flames engulfed the truck. Crews worked quickly to bring the fire under control, preventing further damage to the surrounding area.
Once the blaze was extinguished, Parksville Fire Rescue reopened the passing lane of the northbound side to ease traffic congestion. Firefighters stayed on-site until the burned vehicle and debris were cleared from the roadway. Mainroad crews then inspected the road surface for any damage and took over traffic control.
DriveBC confirmed that the highway reopened shortly after 1:30 p.m., restoring normal traffic flow. Despite the disruption, drivers cooperated with detours and safety measures while crews handled the emergency.
Fire officials said the quick response and teamwork between Parksville Fire Rescue and the Errington Volunteer Fire Department played a major role in keeping the incident under control. The use of multiple water tenders ensured the fire could be extinguished rapidly, even in an area without immediate hydrant access.
Incidents like this serve as a reminder for drivers to remain alert and cautious when traveling. If a vehicle breaks down and smoke becomes visible, it is important to exit immediately, move to a safe distance, and contact emergency services.
While the cause of the truck fire has not been officially determined, the driver’s account suggests that mechanical failure may have been a factor. Diesel engines, like all combustion engines, can overheat or develop fuel system problems that lead to fires. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help reduce such risks.
The Island Highway, a key route on Vancouver Island, often experiences heavy traffic during the summer months. Any closure can cause significant delays, especially near busy areas like Parksville. Officials praised motorists for their patience and cooperation during the response.
With no injuries reported and the road back in use, the incident ended without further complications. However, it underscored the importance of rapid emergency response, proper vehicle upkeep, and public safety awareness.
For now, the Parksville highway truck fire will be remembered as a well-managed incident that, thanks to coordinated efforts, caused only temporary disruption to one of the island’s busiest transportation routes.
