A huge fire devastated Isherwood Body & Fender, an autobody shop in Duncan, British Columbia, early Tuesday morning. The flames broke out around 5:20 a.m., and firefighters raced to the scene, arriving just two minutes later. Photos from the scene show towering flames, and it took a total of six hours for firefighters from three different departments to bring the fire under control.
The Damage
The fire completely gutted Isherwood Body & Fender along with two other businesses located at the same site: Island Auto Wrap and Vinyl. Video footage shows firefighters using a ladder truck to battle the intense flames. Sadly, three units at 2943 Boys Road, which were rented by the LoIsherwood Body & Fender family, are now destroyed. Fortunately, a nearby building owned by the Parhar Group at 5440 Trans Canada Highway remained unharmed by the blaze.
Community Response
Ryan and Marnie Nicklin Isherwood, the business owners, expressed their heartbreak over the loss of their shop, which they’ve devoted so much time and effort to over the years. “We’re so distraught by what has happened,” Ryan said. The fire not only affected their business but also put the jobs of eight to nine employees at risk as they are now out of work. The Isherwoods took to social media to share their gratitude for the community support during this difficult time, emphasizing how much it means to them.
The Investigation
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Office of the Fire Commissioner. Fire Chief Mark Kelsey noted that the absence of a sprinkler system and the presence of chemicals at the site could have contributed to the severity of the fire. “We are looking into both the current fire and a smaller fire that occurred at the location the previous evening,” Chief Kelsey added, underscoring that these incidents are being treated as separate cases.
Hope for the Future
While the destruction of Isherwood Body & Fender has been a shocking blow to the owners and the community, the Isherwoods remain hopeful for the future. They have expressed intentions to meet with employees and customers to discuss next steps. “We will rebuild,” Ryan stated firmly, indicating their determination to overcome this setback. This spirit of resilience is truly inspiring as they plan to rise from the ashes of this tragedy.
| Important Details | Date | Location | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Started | Early Tuesday morning | Isherwood Body & Fender, Duncan | Complete destruction of the business |
| Firefighters Involved | During fire response | Multiple fire departments | About 25 firefighters |
| Employees Affected | Ongoing | Isherwood Body & Fender | 8-9 employees without work |
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the power of fire and how quickly it can change lives and businesses. As the city of Duncan comes together to support the Isherwood family, the hope remains that they will rebuild and continue their longstanding service to the community.
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