A fire that broke out near Trout Lake Road in Halfmoon Bay was under control as of late Tuesday, July 13.
The fire grew to just over half a hectare in size on July 13, approximately 1.5 kilometres northeast of the highway, Coastal Fire Centre’s Gordon Robinson told Coast Reporter.
After the fire was reported at approximately 4:36 p.m., the Halfmoon Bay Volunteer Fire Department “immediately recognized what they would deem as a significant fire,” Aidan Buckley of the Sunshine Coast Regional District said.
Two nearby homes were evacuated as a preventative measure when the flames came within 300 metres of one home. The other home was in the potential path of the fire. No damage was reported, and residents returned later that evening.
BC Wildfire Service responded to support the Halfmoon Bay Volunteer Fire Department with around eight people and three helicopters. The Sechelt Fire Department also responded as mutual aid, bringing the sprinkler protection unit with them.
About 40 personnel responded in total, 20 or so of them from the Halfmoon Bay fire department.
Buckley said the cooperation and coordination of the responders was “incredible” and helped get a handle on the fire quickly.
The fire is suspected to be human caused, but Robinson said that won’t be known until after an investigation. As of 11:15 a.m. on July 14, crews were still on scene to finish up the work.
Around 5:16 p.m. on July 13, the Sunshine Coast RCMP asked people to avoid the Trout Lake Road area and the nearby power lines while the police and fire department were at the scene.
In an update on social media, the Sunshine Coast RCMP said, “A significant amount of resources were called to the scene in order to contain the fire so quickly. The cause is still under investigation and police are seeking anyone with any information about this incident to contact the Sunshine Coast RCMP and reference file number 2021-4689.”
