A massive fire has destroyed much of the waterfront promenade at historic Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island, reducing several businesses to charred rubble.
Posted at 8:07 p.m.
Nono Shen and Chuck Chiang
The Canadian Press
Firefighters are warning people to stay away from the popular tourist spot where the fire broke out on Tuesday morning, while the resort overlooking the marina said the blaze had been brought under control.
“This is a devastating loss for the North Island. Please stay out of the way and let crews work,” Port McNeill Fire Rescue said on social media.
He said spectators gathered to watch the fire Tuesday morning, which hampered crews.
The fire department said crews from the Alert Bay and Hyde Creek fire departments and Port Hardy Fire Rescue were also working on the blaze in the small community about 200 kilometers northwest of Campbell River .
PHOTO OF ALERT BAY FIRE DEPARTMENT, PROVIDED BY THE CANADIAN PRESS
The Alert Bay Fire Department shared videos and photos of the battle, saying they were first alerted to “structure fires at Telegraph Cove” at 7 a.m.
Telegraph Cove is home to only a few dozen residents at any time, but that number rises to hundreds during the summer tourist season.
Telegraph Cove Resort said in a statement that no guests were on site at the time of the fire and the property was closed for the season.
“There is no access to the property and we kindly ask that you do not attempt to enter for security reasons,” it said on its website.
“We are cooperating with local authorities and emergency fire services, who have brought the fire under control and will assess the damage and determine the cause.”
Telegraph Cove Resort owner Gordie Graham said in a brief interview Tuesday that five buildings were destroyed.
Mr. Graham and his wife Marilyn established the resort in 1979, its website said.
The Alert Bay Fire Department shared videos and photos of the battle, saying they were first alerted to “structure fires at Telegraph Cove” at 7 a.m.
Crews could be seen firing hoses at the fire from the water and then from the damaged boardwalk itself.
Around 11:30 a.m., the fire department said on Facebook that “the fight is not completely over yet, moving on to mop-up and hot spots,” while Port McNeill Fire Rescue said on the same social media platform that the fire was burning beneath the structure hours after it erupted, making it difficult to extinguish.
“We deeply appreciate the efforts of first responders and the continued support of our community during this difficult time,” Telegraph Cove Resort said in its statement.
Telegraph Cove was once the site of a thriving sawmill and salmon cannery. It is now a popular tourist destination and a base for whale and bear watching tours, kayaking, fishing and camping.
Footage shared by the Alert Bay Fire Department suggests the fire destroyed the promenade’s whale interpretive centre, wildlife viewing businesses, a pub and a restaurant.
