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RCMP investigate attempted arson at historic Island train station

According to Deputy Fire Chief Jonathan Welsh, crews were called around 8:45 p.m. and found one corner of the heritage building in flames.
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RCMP are investigating an attempted arson on Jan. 30 that damaged CourtenayBԪַs historic train station.

 

 

Comox Valley RCMP are investigating an attempted arson on January 30th that damaged CourtenayBԪַs historic train station.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Jonathan Welsh, crews were called around 8:45 p.m. and found one corner of the heritage building in flames.

"Crews arrived on scene, found fire on the alpha-delta corner, extending into the attic space and into the eaves of the building.  Due to the wind it was starting to spread rapidly,BԪַ Welsh notes.

The station, which was the northern terminus of the Esquimalt and Nanaimo rail line, is located on Cumberland Road just blocks away from the Courtenay fire hall.

Welsh says that proximity and the quick actions of the duty officer who first arrived on scene helped prevent the fire from becoming worse.

"The crews were able to get a knockdown and the duty officer used an extinguisher to knock down the fire,BԪַ he says.

Fire crews forced entry into the building to search to see if there was anyone inside and to ensure the fire hadnBԪַt spread. 

Surveillance footage provided to the fire department from a nearby business shows someone lighting an object on fire on the deck of the building and then calmly walking away.

BԪַIt's great to have support from the community like that and somebody that's able to provide us information in a concrete sort. The evidence is pretty telling, the person came up, lit the fire and immediately left,BԪַ Welsh adds.

Courtenay RCMP confirmed they are continuing the search for that individual.





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