A home near Lions Bay listed for nearly $2-million was destroyed by fire Friday night, and firefighters say a lack of available water made controlling the blaze more difficult.
Just before 10:30 p.m. neighbours heard popping noises and investigated and quickly called 9-1-1.
Lions Bay Fire Department responded first and requested help from West Vancouver Fire Department.
“When we got on scene there was a very limited water supply which makes it very dangerous for firefighters,” said Tony Bird, West Vancouver’s assistant chief of operations. “The water supply was coming from a water tank. There was only enough for an inch-and-a-half hose.”
With the home fully engulfed in flames, Vancouver Fire Department’s fire boat navigated the foggy waters and arrived to pump sea water onto the blaze.
“Our goal was to contain the fire to the building, which we achieved, but unfortunately it was still burning pretty furiously,” Bird said.
Neighbour Bruce Tays said he sprayed a hose at the fire, which he believes started in the garage, and onto his own home before the fire crews arrived.
“The amount of water the fire boat pumped on the house was incredible,” Tays said. “I can’t say enough about these guys, they were all incredible.”
According to Bird the couple who rented out the house were not inside at the time of the fire.
The home had been listed for sale for the past two years.
Bird said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
