A fire broke out at a Chilliwack apartment building on Wednesday evening, leading to the displacement of multiple residents, according to the Chilliwack Fire Department.
The incident occurred at a three-storey building located in the vicinity of Spadina Avenue and Mary Street just before 7:30 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters noticed smoke emerging from the building and quickly escalated their response to a second-alarm structure fire.
Upon reaching the scene, fire crews were met with heavy smoke and flames at the back of the building, prompting the evacuation of occupants who were actively fleeing the premises.
While extinguishing the fire inside, firefighters conducted a thorough search for individuals. Approximately 70 firefighters from all six of the city’s fire stations were summoned to combat the blaze.
During the operation, one resident and one firefighter sustained injuries and received medical attention from BC Emergency Health Services. In a heartwarming gesture, firefighters managed to rescue a cat from the building, administering emergency aid before reuniting the feline with its owner.
Significant damage was reported throughout the building, with the third floor bearing the brunt of the destruction. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Individuals with any pertinent information are urged to contact the Chilliwack RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).