Colwood Fire Rescue is applauding a couple who assisted a driver after their car engine caught fire.

The fire started Wednesday (Jan 3.) evening, and both westbound lanes on Island Highway/Sooke Road were temporarily shut down by RCMP.

The couple pulled over and helped the driver safely exit the vehicle and maintained traffic control until emergency personnel arrived.

When firefighters arrived, they saw heavy smoke and active flames exiting the front end of the vehicle.

The firefighters quickly knocked the fire down which allowed them to reposition their fire truck onto Goldstream Avenue and reopen Westbound traffic on Island Highway/Sooke Road.

The fire caused significant damage to the vehicle.

Goldstream Avenue remained closed for approximately an hour to allow for fire overhaul, scene clean up and removal of the vehicle.

There were no injuries or further damage to property as a result of this fire.

The fire is under investigation.

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