A fire broke out in Richmond’s Steveston area on Tuesday night, resulting in two individuals being hospitalized and a number of others being displaced.
Richmond Fire-Rescue swiftly responded to the incident, which involved a condo building on Seventh Avenue near Steveston Highway just before 8 p.m. Chief Jim Wishlove reported that firefighters found a third-floor suite engulfed in flames upon arrival. The building was evacuated, and emergency crews immediately began battling the fire.
Dramatic images captured at the scene show firefighters bravely combating the massive blaze that was visible from the building’s roof.
Chief Wishlove estimated that around 18 units suffered damage from fire, smoke, or water. Affected residents will not be able to return home until inspections are completed to ensure safety.
In a show of solidarity, Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services personnel were on standby at Richmond fire halls while the majority of Richmond units responded to the Seventh Avenue fire. Chief Wishlove expressed gratitude to both the VFRS and the local community for their unwavering support during the crisis.
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) confirmed that paramedics provided treatment to two individuals at the scene before transporting them to the hospital in stable condition.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation to determine its origin and circumstances.