A fire in Central Saanich has caused extensive damage to a home and left a family of four homeless.
Central Saanich firefighters received multiple calls about the fire in the 2700-block of Skyline Crescent at around 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Three of the four family members were inside the residence at the time of the fire and were able to get to safety before fire crews arrived.
The fourth member of the family was at work when the fire broke out.
Firefighters from the North Saanich/Sidney detachment assisted Central Saanich Fire in battling the blaze – there were a total of 27 firefighters on scene.
Central Saanich Fire on scene of a residential structure fire Skyline Cres.. No injuries but extensive damage, fire contained to the involved residence. Thanks for the assist Sidney and North Saanich Fire. pic.twitter.com/SvRrZHh0HU
— Central Saanich Fire (@CSaanichFire) March 23, 2020
The fire was heavily involved when authorities arrived and since everyone was out safe, fire crews took a defensive approach and battled the blaze from outside the home.
Neighbouring houses were saved with minimal damage to the exterior of the homes.
The fire remains under investigation, but it is believed to be accidental and started outside of the residence.
GoFundMe launched for family
According to the GoFundMe, the family of four is made up of a couple and their two teenage children, a son and daughter who attend local high schools.
It also states that this is situation tragic at the best of times, but even more so during the global COVID-19 crisis.
“The family are very community-minded, kind and generous who would help others in a heartbeat. Any and all donations would be greatly appreciated to help them in this time of need,” says the GoFundMe.
The GoFundMe page has been set up for donations to help the family get a new place to live, clothes, toiletries and other essentials.
The organizers also add that given the COVID-19 crisis and social distancing measures in place, donations of physical items cannot be accepted.
The fundraiser aims to raise $5,000 and has surpassed that goal, accumulating a total of $6,565 at the time of publication.
