Emergency responders rushed to the aid of 15 residents trapped in an apartment building fire in New Westminster on Thursday. The New Westminster Police Department reported that a swift joint effort by police and fire crews saved the day.
Upon noticing the nearby blaze at 5 Avenue and 8 Street, officers sprang into action. They encountered a heart-wrenching scene as they saw older adults peering out of windows, desperate to escape the engulfing smoke.
Risking their own safety, the officers, along with the New Westminster Fire and Rescue Service, bravely entered the burning building. Together, they successfully guided all 15 residents to safety, some of whom were unable to move independently and had to be carried out.
A poignant sight captured at the scene showed firefighters toiling outside the building shrouded in green construction netting. Neighbors shared that the building housed many seniors and young families, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Unfortunately, two officers had to be hospitalized for smoke inhalation, though they have since been discharged. This incident follows a recent fire at Pinecrest Manor, which uprooted around 150 residents, further highlighting the urgent need for fire safety measures in the community.
