At approximately 4:40 am on January 23, 2026, the Tumbler Ridge Fire Department (TRFD) was dispatched to a report of a motor vehicle fire at a residence on the upper bench. First-arriving units were on scene within five minutes and 20 seconds, with a total of six firefighters responding. At the time of the incident, the ambient temperature was approximately −20°C.
Upon arrival, the Incident Commander observed a car and a truck-mounted box camper fully involved in fire. A third vehicle, a company pickup truck, was also present and was being driven forward and away from the fire while the bed of the truck was actively burning. There were two occupants home at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported. Several neighbours reported hearing an explosion, which was later determined to be a minor explosion from within the camper, believed to have involved several camping fuel cylinders caused by fire and radiant heat.
Despite the extreme cold conditions, fire crews were able to quickly bring the fire under control and extinguish it. The fire appears to have originated at the front of the car and camper unit; however, based on current observations, the incident does not appear to be suspicious in nature. Due to the extent of fire damage in this area, the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time. Cleanup of the scene is ongoing, and fire crews have deployed containment devices to prevent any hazardous or unwanted materials from entering the storm drain system.
The TRFD would like to acknowledge that despite the personal loss resulting from the situation, the quick actions taken by the resident prior to the fire department’s arrival likely prevented the fire from spreading and significantly reduced damage to their home as well as neighbouring properties.”
