VICTORIA, B.C. — The Victoria Fire Department continues to extinguish the large fire at the former Travellers Inn at 760 Queens Ave. Portions of the building have collapsed and heavy machinery is in use for controlled demolition. Fire crews will remain on scene tonight through Sunday.
"A special thanks to Victoria Fire crews, who were met with extremely challenging conditions on arrival this morning and worked diligently to clear the structure as quickly as possible," said Victoria Fire Chief Dan Atkinson. "Due to rapidly progressing fire conditions, crews had to withdraw before clearing the entire building and transition to a defensive posture to prevent the fire from spreading.
I’d also like to thank our mutual aid partners, Saanich, Esquimalt and Oak Bay fire departments, and Victoria Police, BC Ambulance, FortisBC and BC Hydro who also supported the response to this complex incident.”
No firefighter injuries have been reported at this time and all nine registered occupants of the property are accounted for. There are unconfirmed reports that there may have been additional people in the building. The Victoria Fire Department and Victoria Police are working diligently to make sure all individuals are accounted for.
Residents from 760 Queens Ave. and those residing nearby at 723 Field St. were evacuated and are receiving assistance from the City of Victoria's Emergency Support Services.
The public is asked to avoid the area as the scene remains active.