Fire destroys parts of historic boardwalk in Vancouver Island’s Telegraph Cove, fire department says
The historic boardwalk in Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island suffered significant damage due to a large fire that broke out recently, as reported by the Port McNeill Fire Rescue on Tuesday morning. The fire department issued a public safety announcement urging people to stay away from the area to allow crews to focus on extinguishing the flames without hindrance.
Describing the incident as a “devastating loss to the North Island,” the fire department shared a photo showing a restaurant engulfed in flames, although the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Telegraph Cove, a charming village with a population of around 20 residents, is situated approximately 200 kilometers northwest of Campbell River.
Telegraph Cove, known for its picturesque setting featuring multicolored buildings lining the shoreline, was originally built on the site of an old sawmill town, according to the Telegraph Cove Resort. The resort highlighted that a 240-meter boardwalk was constructed in the area, with the original sawmill houses and buildings being restored and repurposed to accommodate tourists.
Notably, Telegraph Cove was home to British Columbia’s first whale-watching company, which commenced operations back in 1980. Despite the destruction caused by the fire, the Telegraph Cove Art Gallery confirmed that it remained unaffected by the blaze.
As of 9 a.m. PT, the Port McNeill Fire Rescue indicated that the fire was burning beneath the boardwalk, posing challenges for firefighters trying to extinguish it effectively. Collaborating with neighboring fire departments, efforts were underway to contain the blaze and prevent further damage to the area. The community’s resilience and the support of emergency responders were crucial in addressing the aftermath of this unfortunate incident.
