Parksville responds to Argo ATV ‘engulfed in flames’ says neighbour

Just after 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jeff Dutton and his wife were driving home when they saw a black pillow of smoke coming up from the trees.

As they got closer, they saw the flames were coming from an Argo-brand off-road, six-wheel, tracked machine off Mans Road. “I could see it from three blocks away, coming up to the roundabout just seeing black smoke coming out of the trees.” “The UTV was engulfed in flames, and there was nobody around,” Jeff told CHEK.



Jeff’s wife called 911 while he ran through the woods to find the owner. “The ATV was hissing and sizzling, so I didn’t know if it was going to explored. I went around the driveway and banged on his door and said ‘your UTV is on fire.

'” According to Jeff, the owner was unaware and quickly ran to extinguish the fire but was unable to contain it. The Parksville Fire Department says it arrived at approximately 2:07 p.m.

and with 14 members on site and three fire apparati, the crew was able “to do a quick initial knock down, preventing the fire from spreading to any structures,” Parksville Fire told CHEK News. There were structures nearby but the crews’ quick response prevented any further spread or damage apart from the UTV machine. No one was injured and while the cause is being investigated, suspicious activity has been ruled out.

Jeff says the flames started engulfing the trees, one large cedar in particular, but was quickly put out once the fire department arrived. Jeff says he was thankful for their arrival. “It was hissing and popping and the metal on this thing was just completely melted over.

It was kind of freaky. I didn’t know if there was a gas tank – that’s what freaked me out.” Jeff says he’s never seen anything like that before.

He and his wife made sure they were in a safe location and let the crews do their work. “It was over before you know it. Shout out to the Parksville fire department.

”.