VICTORIA A newly opened distillery business in Sooke has been destroyed in an early morning fire. Dozens of firefighters were called to the scene in the 2000-block of Idlemore Road just before 5 a.m. Tuesday. Callers reported seeing flames and hearing explosions from the scene. Sooke fire Chief Kenn Mount says fire crews found the Island Shiners distillery building fully engulfed upon arrival. (There were) tons of different types of flammable, ignitable liquids that we needed to be concerned about, said Mount. That’s why we do and focus more on pre-incident planning work so we’re aware of changes to businesses and the type of storage of hazards that are on-site.
After multiple 911 calls reporting flames and explosions at 4:55 a.m. Tuesday, Sooke Fire Department responded to find the commercial building ablaze. Glass bottles and distillery equipment including boilers and pressurized tanks burst in the heat.
Fire departments from Otter Point, Metchosin and East Sooke assisted in the effort. About 33 firefighters battled the blaze, which was quickly contained and extinguished, said Mount.
The fire chief had worked with the owners on their fire safety and storage plan, so when the fire call came in, he was able to advise the first responders about the layout of the commercial property and potential hazards, including items that could ignite.
Isabela Vera
Since time immemorial, humans have relied on homes in their many forms for safety, comfort, and community. But in recent decades, our penchant for big homes built quickly has come at a great environmental cost. If you’re thinking about building or renovating your home, consider using sustainable materials and energy sources.
“A home is your canvas,” says Arno Keinonen, who, after an itinerant career as a marine engineer in the Arctic, decided to put down roots by building a carbon-negative home in East Sooke, BC. Built from blocks made of hemp and lime, Keinonen’s home is a stunning tribute to eco-friendly design, perched atop a cliff with a sweeping vista of the sea and sky.
A staff report recommends adding paid seasonal parking in 2022 to nine parks, with a gradual implementation over three years. This, along with existing fees, would generate $1.9 million annually.
The parks are Devonian, East Sooke, Elk/Beaver Lake, Francis/King, Horth Hill, Matheson Lake, Mill Hill, Mount Work and Witty’s Lagoon.
Saanich Coun. Rebecca Mersereau, the parks committee chairwoman, said the parks were chosen largely based on the number of visitors they get.
Not on the list is Island View Beach Regional Park, even though Mersereau said a lot of people seem to think it is. “I would say the majority of emails in my inbox do concern Island View,” she said.
Fire could be seen coming through the roof and windows, said Dunlop. Fortunately, no one and no pets were home at the time of the fire. “We had the fire extinguished within the hour and proceeded with an overhaul looking for hot spots. We cleared the scene at approximately noon,” said the chief. Twelve Metchosin firefighters were assisted by firefighters from Sooke, East Sooke and Otter Point. The British Columbia Ambulance Service, the RCMP and B.C. Hydro were also on scene to ensure everyone’s safety, said Dunlop.
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