Image: Julie Hiscock, used with permission / Approximately nine fire engines from multiple fire halls have been dispatched to the 9800 block of Young Road Monday morning (July 24) for the report of a structure fire. The fire does not appear to have spread to neighbouring homes. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Young Road structure fire

Chilliwack Fire responds to structure fire on Young Road north of downtown Monday

Jul 24, 2023 | 11:02 AM

CHILLIWACK — At least eight engines from multiple fire halls in Chilliwack were dispatched to a report of a structure fire in the 9800 block of Young Road Monday morning (July 24).

The call came in at approximately 10:40 a.m.

Chilliwack RCMP were dispatched to the area to direct traffic.

Gas had been turned off by Fortis as of 11:10 a.m.

As of 11:10 a.m., BC Hydro, Fortis BC and BC Emergency Health Services ambulance attended the fire.

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According to scanner traffic, a search of the first storey and second storey revealed no occupants inside the home as of 11:12 a.m.

The fire was extinguished as of 11:31 a.m.

In a press release issued Monday evening, the Chilliwack Fire Department says an electrical fire severely damaged a suite at the Young Road home and was accidental in nature.

According to a news release Monday evening from assistant fire chief Andy Brown, 22 firefighters from Halls 1, 2, 4 and 6 responded to the 9800 block of Young Road for the report of a structure fire at about 10:40 a.m. Monday.

On arrival, firefighters witnessed heavy fire and black smoke venting from a suite at the rear of the home, Brown said. Occupants were at home when the fire started and were able to evacuate the home along with several pets before fire crews arrived on scene.

Fire personnel called for a second alarm, Brown said, and quickly worked to perform an exterior attack on the fire, while securing a water supply to effectively control the fire, allowing fire crews to transition into an interior fire attack and building search.

“The quick actions of fire crews prevented the fire from spreading to the main area of the house, containing the fire to the suite of origin, which suffered major fire damage,” Brown said in a statement.

There were no firefighter or civilian injuries, but several people have been displaced from their homes.

This fire is considered accidental and is under investigation by the Chilliwack Fire Department fire investigators.

“The Chilliwack Fire Department wants to remind the public, extension cords are for temporary use only,” Brown said. “Have a qualified electrician determine if additional circuits or wall outlets are needed.”