Image: Submitted / Smoke rises from the terrain along Chilliwack Lake Road and the hills above it Saturday night, July 1, on Canada Day. The Chilliwack Fire Department responded to a report of black smoke coming from the area on Saturday night. On arrival, firefighters were able to extinguish a 20x20 fire at a homeless camp.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack Lake Road homeless camp

Chilliwack Fire extinguishes homeless camp fire near Chilliwack Lake Rd. on Canada Day

Jul 4, 2023 | 7:43 AM

CHILLIWACK — The Chilliwack Fire Department was dispatched Saturday evening, July 1 for the report of black smoke and some kind of explosion about a kilometre southeast of the Vedder Bridge close to Chilliwack Lake Road.

According to scanner traffic, Chilliwack Fire Engines 1, 4, and 4-2 were dispatched Saturday at approximately 9 p.m. to the area of 46100 Chilliwack Lake Road for the report of black smoke accompanied by the possible sound of an explosion.

Firefighters responded to the scene and were able to extinguish the fire coming from a 20×20 homeless camp at approximately 9:11 p.m.

Chilliwack cleanup volunteer and Sardis resident Ross Aikenhead was in the area of 46100 Chilliwack Lake Road Saturday night. He said he saw four people with backpacks walking away from the scene of the smoke Saturday evening.

“I saw them as I was on my way home from the Chilliwack River Valley,” said Aikenhead, who frequently visits the Chilliwack River Valley with his two dogs.

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