Fire in Chilliwack displaces six families
Posted February 19, 2024 10:52 am.
Last Updated February 19, 2024 7:03 pm.
An early morning fire at an apartment complex in Chilliwack forced six families from their homes Monday.
Fire crews say they were called to the building along Edward Street, south of Hodgins Avenue, around 5:30 a.m. They arrived to find a semi-detached carport in flames.
According to the local fire department, 37 firefighters responded and “reported heavy fire and smoke venting from three fully involved vehicles in the carport.”
Officials add the fire was spreading up into the semi-detached, six-unit apartment building.
Everyone got out safe. However, firefighters say the complex sustained “significant fire and smoke damage,” while all three vehicles involved were destroyed.
Meanwhile, nearby buildings sustained what is being described as “radiant heat damage.”
Neighbour Josie Omelko says the sounds of the fire woke her up.
“My friends who are living with me right now, they’re the ones who woke up first because they hear this, it’s like a firecracker, bang, bang, bang. And then I heard the fire trucks stop here, and then I see the fire is already going on,” Omelko said.
Herta Stoffers, who also lives nearby, says she got scared by how easily the fire spread.
“Terrible, that something could happen right in the middle of town,” Stoffers said.
The cause of the fire is not clear at this time. Crews say no injuries were reported.
Officials are asking anyone with information about this fire to contact the RCMP at 604-792-4611 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
With files from Kate Walker.
