A massive fire destroyed a home on Waynes Road on the Stz’uminus Reserve outside Chemainus on Monday morning.
Five of the six occupants were at home at the time plus the family dog, but all managed to get out safely.
The fire was fully involved when firefighters from the Crofton, Chemainus and Ladysmith fire departments arrived on the scene.
Relatives in neighbouring houses watched with sinking hearts as the fire quickly spread, but were glad for the safety of their loved ones.
The stubborn fire kept firefighters busy for several hours as it continued to spread throughout the house, leaving just a skeleton of the structure at the end.
Just when firefighters seemed to have it contained, the flames accelerated again and huge, thick smoke could be seen shooting into the sky for miles.
Chemainus Road was closed in both directions while hoses were spread from a hydrant on the other side of the road to the site.
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