British Columbia

Floating home damaged in early morning fire in Richmond

No one was home when the fire broke out just before 2 a.m. Wednesday, at a house attached to a dock across from Annacis Island.

The house was attached to a dock in the 23000-block of Dyke Road, across from Annacis Island

Firefighters had to move boats out of the way prevent the fire from spreading. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

A floating home was destroyed after an early morning fire in Richmond.

Residents in the 23000-block of Dyke Road called 911 just before 2:00 a.m. Wednesday, after seeing flames bursting through the roof of the home, which was attached to a dock.

Richmond Fire said the weather conditions and location of the house posed some risks for firefighters.

"There were some boats we had to move out of the way," said Batt. Chief Richard Barnes. "We're about 200 feet out on a dock, that's bit of an issue for our hose lay."

Flames could be seen by residents on both sides of the Annacis Channel. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

The fire burned quickly through most of the home, causing part of the roof to cave in.

Barnes said the house was unoccupied when the fire broke out. The cause is under investigation.