Dave Bradshaw is returning to the Coast this weekend after a trip to England with his two teenagers. They'll get an unpleasant homecoming, however, as their home on Redrooffs Road has been destroyed by fire.
Bradshaw's house in Halfmoon Bay caught fire sometime before 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Friends say a visitor staying inside barely escaped the blaze that quickly engulfed the two-storey cedar home.
"Dave's friend Lynn just got out with the clothes on her back," said Robert Samson who, along with his wife Jackie, have been taking care of Bradshaw's affairs while he has been on vacation. "She didn't even get any shoes. She ran barefoot to the neighbour's house and they called the fire department. She called us and you could tell she was in shock, but she's OK now."
Halfmoon Bay fire chief Greg Phelps said the fire was "fully involved" by the time the fire department arrived shortly after 4 a.m.
"You could see the fire all the way from Redrooffs Road and Southwood," said Phelps, noting Bradshaw's home is several kilometres from that location.
It took fire crews about eight minutes to arrive. Once on scene, Phelps saw a whirlwind of flaming cedar shakes rising from the inferno. Those palm-sized chunks of burning wood landed hundreds of metres away and started two more fires in the bush while crews were working to knock down the house fire.
Fortunately the fire department had also contacted the B.C. Forest Service to assist.
"We assisted because there was a possibility for a forest fire. We basically sprayed the edge of the lot and the surrounding timber," said Rick Machowski of the B.C. Forest Service.
Phelps said it was obvious they were not going to be able to save the home. He noted they were able to save other homes nearby that "could feel the heat of the fire."
Once the fire was out, fire crews got some much-deserved sleep. Phelps was back at the scene later that day with Bradshaw's insurance adjuster (who is also a volunteer firefighter) trying to determine the cause of the blaze.
"We're just out here digging through the ashes and investigating, but we haven't been able to determine the cause. Nothing jumps out at me," he said.
However, he notes arson is not suspected. The woman staying in the home has been questioned and "does not appear to have been the cause."
The Samsons will welcome Bradshaw into their home when he arrives on the Coast today (Friday). Then he plans to find a place to rent with his kids.
"Dave has already been offered a basement suite to rent so they'll be okay. It's still a lot to get over but Dave's a great guy and everyone loves him. I'm sure the whole community will be there for him," Robert said.
The Samsons say they are doing what they can to take care of Bradshaw's friend as well, as she has been left without money or personal belongings.
If you want to help, you can call the Samsons at 604-740-0803. Bruce Morris from Trail Bay Centre also contacted Coast Reporter this week about offering assistance to the family. He said a trust fund is being set up at the Royal Bank. Those wishing to donate to assist Bradshaw and his family would be appreciated.
