Skip to content

Esquimalt fire arrives to heavy flames in apartment building blaze

Balcony rescue needed as 4 departments called for early Sunday fire
web1_240416-vne-esquimaltapartmentfire-sub_2
The charred aftermath of a fire on Garrett Place in the early hours of April 14. (Esquimalt Fire Fighters/Facebook)

Esquimalt Fire Rescue was called to a structure fire on Garrett Place on April 14 just before 2 a.m.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames coming from a second-storey apartment, the department shared on social media.

Hose lines were quickly set up for an exterior knockdown before crews entered the building to fully extinguish the fire.

CFB fire crews were also called on for a balcony rescue and helped search the building for occupants.

Victoria and View Royal fire departments provided support, rapid intervention responder rescue, search and back up.

The building is a 30-unit apartment building operated by the Salvation Army in partnership with BC Housing. Tenants are single, aged 45 or over and deemed “a household in need,” with rent is based on income.

Some residents away from the second storey apartment where the fire originated returned to their units Sunday, said Tara Zajak, manager of communications for Esquimalt.

Those displaced were put up at another Salvation Army facility, with friends or hotels and provided emergency social services.

“Residents will stay on ESS supports for 72 hours,” Zajak said. “We are currently assisting them to find support beyond 72 hours through other support agencies.”

READ ALSO: 1 taken to hospital in downtown Victoria stabbing



Christine van Reeuwyk

About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk

Longtime journalist with the Greater Victoria news team.
Read more