A fire broke out in a Sidney business undergoing renovation on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a fast response from local fire crews. The incident occurred on Beacon Avenue in a building located between Resthaven and Fifth Street. Thanks to quick action by firefighters, the blaze was contained to a single unit and did not spread to other businesses in the strip mall.
Sidney Fire Chief Brett Mikkelsen said his department received a call about a commercial structure fire at around 2:30 p.m. Crews arrived minutes later and saw smoke rising from the soffits of the building. Two engines and a tower ladder from the Sidney Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. They were supported by additional units from North Saanich and Central Saanich.
According to Mikkelsen, crews entered the building quickly and brought the fire under control before it could spread further. “We managed to knock down the fire and keep it contained to the unit that was involved,” he explained.
The business affected was J. Burke & Sons Tobacconist Ltd., which has already relocated to another location. The unit under renovation was empty at the time of the fire, which helped reduce the risk of damage. Fire officials noted that the lack of furniture and stock inside meant there was less fuel to intensify the flames.
Mikkelsen pointed out that the fire could have been much more destructive if the unit had been fully occupied. Instead, the damage will mainly delay ongoing renovation work. “It’s just an empty shell,” he said. “There will be some water damage that will slow the renovation process, but the impact is far less than if it was an active business.”
The firefighting effort took about an hour and a half. Crews had to check attic and ceiling spaces carefully to make sure the flames had not spread to the roof or adjoining shops. This process, often called “overhaul,” is critical to ensure hidden embers do not reignite.
While the affected unit sustained water and fire damage, surrounding businesses were spared. Fire officials said nearby shops should be able to reopen within a day, once a licensed electrician confirms there are no electrical hazards.
Chief Mikkelsen praised the teamwork among departments. The assistance from North Saanich and Central Saanich fire crews was essential in keeping the fire from spreading further. “The coordinated response ensured that we kept the damage limited and avoided a much larger incident,” he said.
Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the fire. Mikkelsen noted that he has a good idea of what may have sparked it, but confirmed that there was no sign of criminal activity. “There’s nothing suspicious or intentional in any way,” he said.
The incident highlights how fast action and cooperation among fire departments can limit the damage caused by commercial fires. It also shows how an empty or partially renovated space can sometimes work to the advantage of firefighters by reducing available fuel for flames.
For local business owners, the fire served as a reminder of the importance of fire safety, especially during renovation work when electrical and construction activities increase risk. Fortunately, in this case, no injuries were reported, and no occupied businesses suffered significant damage.
As of Thursday morning, renovation crews and inspectors are expected to assess the affected unit to determine the next steps in repairing the water and fire damage. While the timeline for completion has been pushed back, the business itself has not suffered a total loss.
Residents of Sidney expressed relief that the fire was quickly brought under control and that local businesses in the area were not forced to close for an extended period. For now, the focus remains on completing the renovation safely and ensuring the building meets all electrical and fire safety standards before reopening.
