One person in Stz’uminus First Nation required an airlift to the hospital on Saturday following a house fire.
Paramedic public information officer Brian Twaites said paramedics attended a structure fire on Deer Point Road just after 1 p.m. and transported one patient to hospital via air ambulance after providing emergency medical treatment at the scene.
North Oyster Fire Rescue Chief Florian Schulz said the fire may have been caused by an electric smoker.
What appears to be the remnants of a smoker was found on the back deck that sustained extensive fire damage, he said.
Schulz said it’s important to keep an eye on smokers and barbecue grills. “I know smokers particularly are a really long process and people oftentimes walk away.”
In that case, the equipment needs to be on a non-flammable surface and far from any potential fuel sources, he said. “If the smoker had been 20 or 30 feet from the house and on a slab of concrete, nothing would’ve happened.”
Ladysmith and North Cedar Fire departments also responded to the incident.
The Stz’uminus First Nation is warning residents to stay clear of the house due to structural instability.
