Canadian Tire Store Fire – Mission BC
Commercial Media Blasting in Mission, BC
A fire caused by arson broke out at the Canadian Tire store in Mission, resulting in widespread smoke damage throughout the building.
While the fire itself was contained, heavy smoke and combustion byproducts spread rapidly through the interior, contaminating surfaces across the entire commercial space.
Soot, smoke residue, and chemical deposits coated walls, ceilings, floors, and structural elements, creating a challenging restoration environment that required specialized surface cleaning beyond conventional methods.
Large-Scale Commercial Fire Damage
Following the incident, Belfor Restorations, the main contractor on the project, coordinated the remediation effort. Due to the size of the facility and the extent of contamination, media blasting was selected as the most effective method to remove soot and prepare surfaces for refurbishment.
Ocean Pacific Media Blasting was brought in to media blast approximately 120,000 square feet of commercial interior space using crushed glass media in a 50/100 mesh. This abrasive was chosen for its ability to remove heavy smoke residue while remaining safe for use on a wide range of substrates.
Before & After
Test Blasting and Surface Evaluation
Before full production blasting began, Belfor requested a test blast to confirm media selection and pressure settings. Ocean Pacific performed controlled test blasting on key interior surfaces, including:
- Tile flooring
- Q-deck metal ceiling systems
The test blast demonstrated effective removal of soot and contamination without damaging underlying materials. Once results were reviewed and approved, authorization was given to proceed with full-scale blasting throughout the building.
Removal of smoke stains from historic brick surfaces
Elimination of embedded smoke odor
Preservation of original brick texture and appearance
No damage to surrounding masonry or mortar joints
Efficient Media Blasting Execution
With approvals in place, Ocean Pacific mobilized crews to begin systematic cleaning and stripping of contaminated surfaces. Media blasting allowed for deep removal of smoke residue embedded in porous materials—an essential step for eliminating odor and preventing long-term contamination issues.
Key advantages of media blasting on this project included:
Complete removal of soot and fire-related residues
Effective odor elimination at the source
Uniform surface preparation for repairs and refinishing
Faster turnaround compared to manual or chemical cleaning
Work was coordinated to maintain safety, containment, and efficiency throughout the large commercial footprint.
Project Completion and Outcome
The media blasting phase of the project was completed successfully within 10 days, allowing subsequent refurbishment and rebuilding work to move forward without delay. By thoroughly cleaning and preparing all affected surfaces, Ocean Pacific played a critical role in restoring the property and supporting the next stages of recovery.
This project highlights the effectiveness of professional abrasive media blasting for large-scale commercial fire restoration—particularly in environments where speed, thoroughness, and surface integrity are essential.
Have questions about a project or ready to get started?
“Saleem is a very safe, dedicated, conscientious, and talented worker in this field.
-Greg Cruickshank
Project Brief
Media blasting restored fire-damaged commercial interior, removing soot and preparing surfaces efficiently.
Client Name
Belfor Restorations
Fire Restoration
Location
Mission, BC, Canada
Social Links
Check out our Youtube channel