Industrial concrete plant in Sooke destroyed in fire

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WATCH: A fire destroys an industrial concrete building in Sooke on Feb. 18, 2019. (Grant Wittkamp/YouTube)

An industrial building in Sooke was destroyed in a fire on Sunday evening.

Sooke Fire Rescue Chief Kenn Mount said the department started receiving multiple 911 calls about a fire near Edward Milne Community School at around 5:30 p.m. The first crew that arrived found South Island Concrete on Sooke Road fully engulfed. Firefighters also heard explosions because of hydraulic fuel at the site.

“There were lots of complexities when it came to suppression,” Mount said.

Mutual aid was requested from the Otter Point Fire Department, the East Sooke Fire Department and the Metchosin Fire Department. Thirty firefighters ended up responding.

WATCH: Flames from the fire at an industrial concrete building in Sooke on Feb. 18, 2019. (Submitted)

WEB SUBMITTED SOOKE FIRE

WEB SUBMITTED SOOKE FIRE

Duration 18s

While a couple of trees caught fire, firefighters were able to put out those flames and attack the main fire from multiple directions. They also stopped the fire from spreading to outbuildings and other small businesses in the area.

The fire was brought under control in about one hour but crews remained on scene until around 11 p.m.

No injuries were reported. Mount said the building, which was about 20 feet by 100 feet (six metres by 30 metres) is a complete loss. Four forklifts, a Bobcat, a hydraulic press, conveyer belts, plastic forms and hydraulic fuel were also destroyed.

A rough estimate of the damage is $500,000.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

WATCH: The fire is seen from Edward Milne Community School. (Abigail)

WEB ABIGAIL SOOKE FIRE

WEB ABIGAIL SOOKE FIRE

Duration 12s

Alexa HuffmanAlexa Huffman

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