FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2023

At 11:18am, 24 firefighters from Chilliwack firehalls 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 responded to a fire in a single storey townhouse complex located in the 45000 block of South Sumas Road. Fire crews arrived
on scene to fire venting from the one unit’s ground floor rear windows.

Firefighters managed to quickly knock the fire down and enter the building to extinguish the fire and confirm the fire had not extended past the one unit.

There was significant fire, smoke and water damage to the one townhouse. There was minor smoke damage to the adjacent units.

There were no firefighter injuries.

BCEHS paramedics arrived on scene to assess the lone female homeowner for possible smoke inhalation and she was transported to CGH. Emergency Support Services (ESS) attended to provide support for the displaced owner.

Cause of the fire was accidental and related to an unattended candle.

Chilliwack Fire Department reminds residents to never leave burning candles unattended. Candles should be in sturdy, noncombustible holders and all combustibles should be kept at
least 30cm (1 foot) away from the candle(s). We also remind residents to ensure they have working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be tested regularly.

Filed under: accidental fire, candle, Chilliwack, Chilliwack Fire Department, Townhouse