A fast-moving fire that started in a Duncan carport forced 13 residents from their homes Wednesday morning after flames spread to neighbouring buildings. Firefighters were called to Festubert Street at about 9:13 a.m., where they found heavy fire in a covered carport. “It rapidly spread to the surrounding buildings,” Deputy Fire Chief Chris Irving said. Irving said the fire started in an open carport where four vehicles were parked. Without garage doors to contain the flames, the fire spread along the ceiling before radiant heat ignited nearby buildings. Firefighters from Duncan were joined by crews from the North Cowichan South End Fire Department and Cowichan Bay Volunteer Fire Rescue. “We were able to contain it to those areas and save the exposures on both sides,” Irving said. No residents or firefighters were injured. Emergency Support Services is assisting the 13 displaced residents with temporary accommodations. The fire also spread into the roof of a neighbouring mixed-use building, damaging three residential units and two ground-floor businesses. The cause remains under investigation, and Irving said there is no indication the fire is suspicious. About 30 firefighters rotated through the scene during the response as crews contended with Wednesday’s hot weather.
