Port Alberni, BC — A quiet Vancouver Island community is in mourning today after a catastrophic fire tore through the West Coast Hockey Prep Camp facility late last night, killing eight people and injuring at least fifteen others. The camp, located at 3737 Roger St., Port Alberni, was home to dozens of young athletes, coaches, and staff members when the blaze broke out.
The fire began shortly after 11:30 PM and quickly engulfed much of the main dormitory and training complex before emergency services could arrive. Local fire departments, including units from Nanaimo and Tofino, responded within minutes, but the intensity and speed of the flames made rescue efforts extremely difficult.
Authorities confirmed early Wednesday morning that eight individuals lost their lives, including several teenage athletes and one adult staff member. Fifteen others sustained various injuries, with at least five in critical condition at Island Health facilities.
First Responders Describe ‘Hellish Scene’
Fire Chief Gregory Lamont described the blaze as one of the worst incidents his department has ever faced.
“It was a race against time,” Lamont said. “The building was mostly wood, and the fire moved with terrifying speed. We did everything we could.”
Firefighters reportedly pulled multiple people from second-story windows using ladders, while others escaped through emergency exits or were helped out by fellow campers.
The Camp and Its Legacy
The West Coast Hockey Prep Camp has long been regarded as one of the premier development programs for young hockey talent in British Columbia and beyond. Each summer, it attracts hundreds of athletes from across North America looking to elevate their game ahead of elite junior and collegiate seasons.
Founded in 2004, the camp was praised not just for its hockey instruction, but for fostering character, discipline, and community among youth.
“This wasn’t just a camp — it was a family,” said former camp alumnus and current WHL player Ryan Beckett. “We’ve lost more than teammates. We’ve lost brothers.”
Investigation Underway
The British Columbia Office of the Fire Commissioner, in conjunction with the RCMP, has launched a full investigation into the cause of the fire. Preliminary evidence suggests the fire may have originated in the facility’s electrical room, but foul play has not been ruled out at this stage.
Port Alberni Mayor Sharon Yates declared a local state of emergency early this morning and pledged full support for the affected families.
“We are grieving as a city,” Yates said. “This tragedy has touched every corner of our community. We will not rest until we know exactly what happened and how to support every person impacted.”
Support and Vigils
Community centers in Port Alberni and nearby cities have opened their doors for grief counseling, donations, and support. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Thursday evening at the Alberni Valley Multiplex, where many of the camp’s scrimmages and training sessions were held.
Memorial funds are already being set up to assist the families of those affected. Messages of condolence have poured in from across the Canadian hockey community, including statements from Hockey Canada, the Vancouver Canucks, and the CHL.
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