The residents of a North Saanich home escaped harm early Wednesday when a fire destroyed a garage on Ardmore Drive.
North Saanich Fire Chief John Trelford said the homeowners were awakened around 6:30 a.m. by a couple of loud popping sounds and quickly left the home.
“They all got out OK. There were no injuries, but they were obviously frightened and in their sock feet,” he said.
A quick response by North Saanich and its mutual aid partners, Sidney and Central Saanich fire departments, kept the fire contained to the garage, said Trelford.
“There was extensive damage done to the garage and the contents of it, however, I don’t have an estimate at this time,” said the fire chief. He said two cars were burned beyond recognition.
Fire investigators were at the scene Wednesday afternoon and an insurance investigator will be coming out in the next couple of days.
Trelford said the fire did not look suspicious in any way, but “we have no cause, so it’s going to require a full investigation.”
Although there was no physical damage to the house, it had smoke throughout, said Trelford.
The house will have to be properly aired and the air tested and purified. The damaged area will have to be boarded and sealed before the family returns home.
“Just coming and going from the house, there are dangerous fumes,” said Trelford.
