Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department firefighters spent more than three hours battling a blaze at a home on Station Road in Coombs on Tuesday night, July 8.
The department responded to a call about the fire shortly after 9 p.m. Upon arriving at the scene, Fire Chief Ron Schildroth said the blaze was already out of control. He added the house was unoccupied.
The Coombs-Hilliers fire crews received assistance from other fire departments including Dashwood Fire Department, Parksville Fire Department, Qualicum Beach Fire Department and Errington Fire Department.
Schildroth said they are still investigating what caused the fire. However, the damage to the house was extensive and he said it "appears to be a total loss."
Oceanside RCMP also attended and assisted the fire crews with traffic and crowd control.
