Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML / This was the location of a fire, 46179 Princess Avenue, earlier today, Friday (Jan. 20). Nine firefighters from Hall 1 arrived to find a smoldering mattress in a bedroom of a second-floor apartment.
Apartment Fire

One injured in Chilliwack apartment fire; two residents displaced

Jan 20, 2023 | 3:46 PM

CHILLIWACK — Quick action by residents of an apartment building at 46179 Princess Avenue is being credited with helping to reduce the amount of damage caused by a fire Friday (Jan. 20) in Chilliwack.

The fire was reported at 12:30 p.m. Nine firefighters from Hall 1 arrived to find a smoldering mattress in a bedroom of a second-floor apartment.

A news release from the Chilliwack Fire Department states “the actions of residents with portable fire extinguishers, combined with the swift efforts of fire crews to complete the extinguishment of the fire significantly limited the damage that this fire could have caused.”

One person in the apartment was treated by B.C. Emergency Health Services Paramedics for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.

Two people have been left without a home as a result of the fire. Chilliwack Emergency Support Services is working with the two.

The cause of the fire and a damage estimate is not available.

Fire officials are taking the opportunity to remind residents that if they smoke, they should do so outside and extinguish their cigarettes in a deep ashtray or metal container.

It is also reminding residents about the importance of having at least one multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher with a class A, B, and C rating in every home. For information on how to properly use an extinguisher, residents can visit the Chilliwack Fire Department website by clicking here or calling the Fire Prevention Division at 604-792- 8713.