A family of seven on the Tseshaht First Nation near Port Alberni lost their home and belongings in a massive fire Saturday morning. No one was injured.
“The house is completely gutted. It was engulfed in flames. All of the windows were blown out,” said Chief Hugh Braker.
The fire started mid-morning and spread quickly, he said. One woman in the home said she thought it might have started in the dryer exhaust system.
Braker said the Port Alberni fire department was quickly on scene to battle the blaze and that they will investigate the cause.
The home was less than 20 years old and was occupied by a couple, four children under 14 years old and a grandparent.
“The tribe has put them up in emergency housing [a hotel] for a few days. They lost everything,” Braker said.
The Tseshaht First Nation is accepting donations for the family at 250-724-1225.
— Times Colonist
