Smoke alarms the hero as serious fire averted at Oak & Carriage Pub
Smoke alarms were the heroes that prevented heavy damage to the Oak & Carriage Pub after alarms alerted staff and residents about today's early morning fire that started in the kitchen, officials report.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP and the North Cowichan Fire Department, were dispatched to a commercial alarm at 4:13 a.m. to the Oak building containing a pub, beer-and-wine store, and an upstairs residence.
"Upon attendance, smoke was observed coming out of a door located on the east side of the building. Residents living above the residence were all safely evacuated and accounted for," Cpl. Greg Pask says in release about the incident at 3287 Cowichan Lake Rd.
"The North Cowichan Fire Department was quickly able to suppress the flames and prevent further damage to the restaurant.
Fire chief Rob MacDowell said a police officer and deputy-fire chief Scott Henning snuffed kitchen flames before other firefighters arrived.
MacDowell said the kitchen was damaged.
"Due to the smoke alarms, and alarm company alerting the restaurant manager, the fire was quickly discovered and a potential disaster was averted, Pask noted.
Fire Investigator Rob Clark explained the fire was centered in a kitchen storage room. Damage costs were unknown.
He determined the blaze did not appear suspicious, but the fire's exact cause is still undetermined.
"This incident may serve as a reminder for all home and business owners to check the condition of their smoke alarms and ensure they are in proper working order," suggested Pask.
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