Coombs-Hilliers

The city, working with neighbouring fire departments in Qualicum Beach, Errington, Coombs-Hilliers, Bow Horn Bay, Dashwood and Nanoose, is registered in the Canadian Fire Insurance Grading index as being accredited for delivery of this service.

Here are some of the most prominent and impactful stories we reported on in 2021 (in no particular order).

The most recent service interruption was today (Dec. 30), affecting residents in Errington (Electoral Area F) and the Town of Qualicum Beach.

There will be no door-to-door collection due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some fire departments will accept donations at their halls on Nov. 20 and 21.

The superior tanker shuttle service is a process of shuttling water using a mobile water supply apparatus such as fire department tankers from fire hydrants and alternative water supply points to the fire site.

The Errington Volunteer Fire Department sent its spare engine with a three person crew and the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department sent a water tender with a two person crew to assist.

The first fire crews on scene were able to quickly contain the fire and limit damage to the rest of the structure, according to Lieutenant Theresa Benoit.

The resident was cutting the grass in an effort to reduce the fire risk, when the fire broke out.

Aaron Poirier, Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department chief, said a resident was mowing the grass with a ride on lawn tractor and hit rocks in two locations, sparking the fires.

The origin of the blaze was a vehicle at one of the fuel pumps and appears to be accidental, according to a media release from the Coombs-Hilliers Fire Department.