Image: Tina Knowlan, used with permission /

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Structure fire in Chilliwack

Fire guts home in Fairfield Island Tuesday afternoon in Chilliwack; fire under investigation by RCMP, fire personnel

Apr 16, 2024 | 5:16 PM

CHILLIWACK — Multiple fire engines from the Chilliwack Fire Department were dispatched for a two-alarm blaze at a residence in the 10100 block of Bonavista Street in Fairfield Island Tuesday afternoon (Apr. 16).

According to scanner traffic, Chilliwack firefighters received a call at about 2:58 p.m. A caller reported seeing smoke coming from the home.

An image taken by Tina Knowlan shows smoke billowing from a single-family home as Chilliwack firefighters rushed to vanquish the flames. By 4:30 p.m., at least an hour after flames first began, the fire wound up gutting the home.

A neighbour on Larter Avenue who provided a first name of Ken said the home at 10195 Bonavista is believed to have been occupied by six to eight squatters, one of whom was in a wheelchair, along with one person apiece in a trailer and motorhome on the property. The squatters were slated to be evicted tomorrow (Apr. 17), according to the neighbour.

Of note, these statements have not been substantiated by police.

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The scene was left in care of the Chilliwack RCMP at 5:07 p.m.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Chilliwack RCMP officers talk outside the scene of a fire at 10195 Bonavista Street Tuesday afternoon.

Chilliwack Fire Chief Andrew Brown released a statement just after 5 p.m. Tuesday advising that 35 firefighters from five halls were dispatched.

“At approximately 3 p.m. this afternoon, the Chilliwack Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire located in the 10000 block of Bonavista Street. Thirty-five firefighters responded from Halls 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 and on arrival, reported heavy smoke and flames venting from multiple areas of the structure. Occupants were home at the time of the fire and managed to safely exit the building. Initial arriving crews quickly began a defensive fire attack while securing a water supply to bring the fire under control. Firefighters effectively extinguished the fire, containing fire and smoke damage to the building of origin. The home suffered significant fire and smoke damage.

One occupant was assessed by BCEHS for minor smoke inhalation. There were no firefighter injuries.

This is under investigation by the Chilliwack Fire Department and RCMP. If anyone has any information about this fire, they are asked to call the RCMP at 604-792-4611, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.upperfraservalleycrimestoppers.ca