A fire on a residential property in Whiskey Creek destroyed several buildings after it broke out in the afternoon of Tuesday, April 7. (Image Credit: Submitted/Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department.)

By Ian Holmes

Significant fire

Fire decimates Whiskey Creek property

Apr 8, 2026 | 1:55 PM

WHISKEY CREEK — A fully engulfed structure fire levelled a rural property east of Cameron Lake, prompting several regional crews to respond.

Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department (CHVFD) chief Enzo Calla said their crews responded to a Whiskey Creek residential lot on Tuesday, April 7, at 2:30 p.m., impacting a Chatsworth Rd. property between Tralee and Marples roads.

“The primary residence was completely destroyed, as well as several outbuildings, a vehicle and a travel trailer,” Calla told NanaimoNewsNOW.

A lone occupant who was home at the time phoned 911 and safely exited the house, Calla confirmed, who noted emergency social services are assisting.

What ignited the fire and where it started are unknown and under investigation, according to the CHVFD chief.

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“We were able to contain the fire to the property area of origin. We did have some interface issues with trees, but managed to knock those down quickly.”

He said the fire’s initial knockdown was fairly swift, with crews spending the majority of their time dousing hotspots.

Calla said there was a strong mutual aid response given the fire’s severity.

“Departments from Parksville, Qualicum, Dashwood, and Errington responded to assist. In total, we had approximately 25 firefighters on scene for roughly about four hours to contain this blaze.”

On-board water tenders were relied upon since the Whiskey Creek area does not have fire hydrants, Calla said.

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by Ian Holmes

Fire decimates Whiskey Creek property

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