Explosion, fire sends woman running from Saanich home

Emergency crews continue to battle a fire in the 3200-block of Linwood Avenue in Saanich.

Heavy smoke filled the area, pouring out of the home as several fire trucks blocked the Saanich road with police directing traffic. Saanich fire was called around 8 a.m., by 10 a.m. crews were on the roof with chainsaws as the fire was confined, but not out.

“It’s a fairly stubborn fire and it’s in the roof space and we’re fighting the fire from the exterior at this time,” says Assistant Deputy Chief Robert Heppell, Saanich Fire Department.

BREAKING: Crews are responding to a large structure fire on Linwood Avenue in Saanich. Several fire trucks are on scene blocking the road. #yyjtraffic

— Devon Bidal (@devonscarlett) October 18, 2019

The single family home was “heavily involved with smoke and fire” as crews, including two engines, two ladder crews and a rescue truck, arrived, Heppel said.

Heather Steward, who lives in an apartment building behind the fire, was walking her dog when she saw smoke coming from the home, seconds later, she said a large explosion shot flames through the windows on the left side of the home.

Fire officials said the resident was taken to hospital.

Crews appear to be attempting to get inside the house from the attic. A ladder has been boosted up onto the roof. pic.twitter.com/w1FhbkDi8G

— Devon Bidal (@devonscarlett) October 18, 2019

Steward saw a women run from the home, naked, who had been in the shower at the time of the explosion. She grabbed a blanket for the woman and then continued knocking on doors down the street.

“She appeared to be physically fine, she just looked like she was in shock,” Steward said. “She told paramedics there was no one in the house and no animals.”

Neighbour Heather Stewart was the first to spot the flames. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/j5bHvcCWev

— Devon Bidal (@devonscarlett) October 18, 2019

She says a second explosion burst through the windows on the right side of the home moments later.

BC Hydro is on scene and has turned off power in the area.

Investigators are on scene and will enter the building when safe.