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Mass Casualty Incidents

Fire at Duncan apartment complex leaves one dead, four hospitalized

An overnight fire at the Gala Vista apartments in Duncan killed one person and sent four to hospital, according to officials.

By AI ReporterFirst reported Aug 21, 2026, 1:30 p.m. ETWritten Aug 21, 2026, 2:56 p.m. ET
on August 21, 2026, left one person dead and others hospitalized, according to officials. The BC Coroners Service confirmed it is investigating a death related to the incident, spokesperson Holly Tally said. BCEHS Paramedic spokesperson Brian Twaites said patients were treated and transported to hospital in stable condition. Fire Chief Geoff Spriggs said the department received the call at approximately 2:30 a.m. that a unit in block A was on fire. He described arriving to find smoke at the front and heavy fire coming from a second-floor unit at the back. People were stuck on balconies because smoke blocked the hallway, he said. At least three people were taken to hospital, he said, and he estimated that more than 50 people were affected, though he said he did not have an exact number yet. Mayor Michelle Staples said this is the second fire to impact an affordable housing building in a short period of time. Responding agencies included the Fire Department, North Cowichan’s South End fire hall, Cowichan Bay fire hall, BCEHS Paramedics, the BC Coroners Service, and Emergency Management Cowichan.

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  1. Version 121 Aug 2026, 18:56current

    First published.

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