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Editor's note: Information from Christina Lake Fire Department added and corrects spelling of Haaglund Road.
There was a fire at Christina Lake late yesterday afternoon (Aug. 27) at the residence of Allen Piche, a.k.a. The Bear Dude.
The Christina Lake Fire Department responded to a call at the Fife Road/Haaglund Road area shortly before 5 p.m. and upon arriving at Piche's residence, saw his house fully involved in fire.
The fire department said that the fire spread to four adjoining structures, destroying all buildings and also spread into the forest area.
"Crews fought the fire for five hours and with the help of water bombers out of Castlegar and water helicopter drops, both for over 30 minutes each, we were able to contain the fire and prevent the spread to other residences in the area," said Christina Lake Fire Chief Ken Gresley-Jones in a release.
Grand Forks RCMP's Staff Sgt. Jim Harrison told The Gazette that the fire was contained at around 9:30 p.m.
"Fire crews contained the fire and limited the damage to immediate vicinity of the residence and the outbuildings," Harrison said.
Along with the aerial support, the Christina Lake department was joined by B.C. Forest Service Firefighters with assistance from Grand Forks Fire Rescue. The BC Ambulance Service was also on the scene.
There is no word on the cause of the fire, although it is believed to have started in the house and is said to be suspicious.
The Christina Lake department said that an investigator from B.C. Forestry was on site overnight and a crew came in on Aug. 28 to ensure the area is safe.
The incident is still under investigation by the Office of the Fire Commissioner and the Kootenay Boundary RCMP regional detachment and there were no injuries sustained.
Piche is awaiting sentencing for the production of controlled substances and possession for purposes of trafficking. He was in court for remand on July 17 and a decision was set for Monday, Sept. 10.
He also pleaded guilty to feeding bears early in 2011.
Piche could not be reached for comment.
– With files from Cassandra Chin