On Saturday night, North Saanich fire department responded to a call at the French-style restaurant, Deep Cove Chalet.
The usual smells of delicious French cuisine were replaced with the thick smell of smoke as firefighters reached the restaurant around 11:00 p.m. With the help of other emergency services, firefighters were able to keep the fire contained and most of the structure was saved from the flames.
The North Saanich Fire Department said heavy smoke could be seen billowing from the rooftop when they first arrived.
Sidney and Central Saanich Fire were also dispatched to the fire to provide assistance at the scene in addition to providing back coverage during the fire attack.
The fire was put out in a few hours, and was given the all clear by 1:30 a.m. While fire and water damage destroyed parts of the interior, most of the structure itself was saved.
“After chasing the fire through many void spaces it was finally extinguished with minimal damage to the structure. Overall, there was great effort and collaboration from all agencies involved.”
Known for its delicious French food, the Deep Cove Chalet has been in operation for 46-years, and has grown to be an iconic part of the community. The owners, husband and wife Pierre and Bev Koffel, have stated they plan on rebuilding and will reopen as soon as possible.
“An unfortunate event for a local favourite, we hope to see them open in the near future,” says the North Saanich Fire Department. Most neighbours and community members feel the same.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated. There are reports the fire was caused by an oven.
