On February 7, 2023, at 01:12 Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue (SSIFR) was called for a Commercial Structure at 116 Hereford Ave, Salt Spring Linen & Dry Cleaners. Upon arrival crews found heavy smoke and fire conditions in the loading bay, extending up to the second floor of the structure.

Initial crews attacked the fire externally to slow the spread of fire until Paid-on-Call (POC) firefighters arrived. As Tender 1 and Engine 3 arrived, operations transitioned to the interior to extinguish the fire, search the building, salvage items, and to complete the overhaul.

“The crews did an amazing job”, said Fire Chief Jamie Holmes. “The on-duty firefighters got here quickly, started an action plan, and bought time for the POC Firefighters to arrive and complete the job. It was a great team effort.”

A total of 13 firefighters and 6 apparatus used approximately 3700 gallons of water to extinguish and overhaul the fire in just over 6 hours. The fire is currently under investigation, but initial assessments did not find anything suspicious. BC Hydro, BCAS, and RCMP were also on scene to assist SSIFR.

SSIFR is asking people to please stay clear of the scene and give the business owners some time and space before inquiring about any personal items that may be on location.