Cumberland Fire Rescue says a fire at the building that houses Dodge City Cycles and the Riding Fool Hostel on Sunday night was caused by a lithium battery.
Crews were called to the building on Dunsmuir Avenue around 9:30 p.m. Aug. 16 after an alarm indicated smoke.
Firefighters confirmed a working structure fire and began attacking the blaze.
“With the primary concern of life safety, the fire engine arrived and crews initiated an offensive fire attack to reduce the fires spread and protect nearby exposures,” said a statement from the Village of Cumberland. “Due to the size and complexity of the incident, mutual aid was requested from Courtenay to provide additional personnel.”
About 24 firefighters attended the scene. One Cumberland firefighter suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution. The firefighter has since returned home and is expected to return to service soon.
Dodge City Cycles said it is heartbroken by the fire and that the extent of the damage is still unknown.
The business thanked firefighters and others who responded to the blaze.
“Our deepest gratitude to Cumberland Fire and Rescue for your dedication and competence,” said Dodge City Cycles. “Your skill and experience ensured the preservation of this historic building.”
The store will be closed for the foreseeable future.
Riding Fool Hostel has also announced their temporary closure due to the fire.
“We are forever grateful to the swift, speedy and professional response from the Cumberland Fire Department, Courtenay Fire Department and all the emergency response teams that contained and controlled the fire,” said the hostel. “Our deepest thanks to our amazing manager Jen Eaton and resident Toby Green for ensuring everyone’s safety and being on the scene in our absence.”
Cumberland Fire Rescue is reminding people not to leave lithium batteries charging overnight or unattended. The department said staying nearby while batteries are charging can help identify problems early and potentially prevent a fire.
