Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / This home on Young Road suffered extensive damage to a suite due to an electrical fire on Monday morning (July 24), according to a news release from the Chilliwack Fire Department. All occupants of the home were able to evacuate along with pets, but several individuals have been displaced by the fire. The fire has been ruled accidental by the Chilliwack Fire Department.
Young Road fire

Electrical fire severely damages suite on Young Road; fire ruled accidental

Jul 25, 2023 | 7:27 AM

CHILLIWACK — The Chilliwack Fire Department says an electrical fire that severely damaged a suite at a Young Road home was accidental in nature.

According to a news release Monday evening from assistant fire chief Andy Brown of the Chilliwack Fire Department, 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.

Image: Julie Hiscock, used with permission

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.”