Quesnel firefighters fought a fully engulfed house fire on Hoy Street, July 25. The home was destroyed but the fire was contained to that building. (Karen Powell photo)

Quesnel firefighters attack from above, below

Hoy Street blaze consumed small house near school

A house fire near Riverview Elementary School brought the Quesnel Fire Rescue Department racing to the scene, Tuesday afternoon (July 25).

The alarm was sounded just before 1 p.m. and brought firefighters to 388 Hoy Street. This address is just across the street from the school field, but the house in question was at the bottom of a steep embankment, with main access actually from an alley off of Elliott Street to the north of the structure.

Despite the physical separation, the flames from the structure soon climbed the bank and were headed for Hoy Street. Firefighters had to take action from both the bottom and the top, but thankfully had ample access at both locations.

“Upon arrival we had a fully involved structure fire which involved the entire home. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the flames that had spread to nearby trees,” said Quesnel Fire Rescue chief Ron Richert.

Several other homes and small businesses were in the fire’s vicinity in the West Quesnel neighbourbood.

“Four trucks with 18 firefighters responded and were on scene for approximately three hours,” Richert said. “RCMP, BC Ambulance Service and City bylaw officers also attended the scene. The cause is under investigation.”

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