Image: Facebook / A fire in July 2025 at 45832 Wellington Avenue in downtown Chilliwack. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack used book store

Chilliwack bookstore owner apologizes for delays in reopening after fire above his store

Aug 19, 2025 | 8:43 AM

CHILLIWACK — The owner of a used book store in downtown Chilliwack says he’s eager to reopen his business after it sustained water damage from a fire in the upstairs living units in July 2025.

According to handwritten messages left outside his retail storefront, Neil Stad of Nuggets Used Books at 45832 Wellington Avenue says his bookstore did not suffer any kind of fire damage from a blaze on Wednesday, July 9.

According to a news release from Chilliwack Assistant Fire Chief Chris Wilson, over 12 firefighters were dispatched for an apartment structure fire on Wellington Avenue at approximately 2:45 a.m. on July 9. Responding firefighters witnessed a large presence of flames and smoke emanating from the roof of the two-storey mixed-used building. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire, but the blaze resulted in water and smoke damage to the two living units and one commercial unit. All occupants were able to successfully exit the building after being alerted by the building’s automatic fire alarm system.

While the fire did not destroy Nuggets Used Books, like a fire did in July to a business just up the street, Stad wrote in his message to customers that the restoration process is taking a while.

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“No fire damage in bookshop. There was water damage. A few walls and the floor have to be replaced. I will be closed for awhile yet. Sorry,” the initial note stated.

He added that he can’t wait to reopen.

“I am so looking forward to being back and will do my best to be better than ever,” the note concluded.

In a follow-up note posted on Saturday, August 16, he said he should have a better idea about flooring plans by the end of the week.

“Mon-Tues, the walls on one side of the shop will be done. By the end of the week I should have an idea of the plans for the floor. This is taking a while. Sorry,” the second note stated.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Handwritten notes appear on the outside of Nuggets Used Books at 45832 Wellington Avenue.

The upstairs living units were significantly damaged by the fire, displacing Desiree Skerratt and her family.

Image: Desiree Skerratt / Damage to the upstairs living unit above Nuggets Used Books at 45832 Wellington Avenue in downtown Chilliwack.