Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / A farm shop erupted in flames Thursday morning at about 9:10 a.m., prompting a heavy response from the Chilliwack Fire Department.
Farm shop fire

UPDATE: One person hospitalized following massive farm shop fire Thursday in Chilliwack

Feb 29, 2024 | 10:30 AM

CHILLIWACK — At least eight fire engines and over two dozen firefighters were deployed Thursday morning (Feb. 29) to a massive farm shop that erupted in flames, sending columns of smoke that could be seen all across Chilliwack.

Firefighters from several halls were dispatched at 9:19 a.m. to 7465 Upper Prairie Road for the report of a massive barn fire.

Smoke billowed from the scene as multiple spectators watched from their vehicles, while RCMP blocked vehicular access on Upper Prairie Road.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Another angle of Thursday’s farm shop fire.

BC Hydro crews arrived on scene at approximately 9:45 a.m. to possibly disconnect utilities.

It’s not known if there were any injuries associated with the fire. A B.C. Ambulance Service unit responded to the scene.

The Chilliwack Fire Department released a statement Thursday at 2:14 p.m. saying one person was hospitalized as a result of today’s fire.

“At approximately 9:17 a.m. on February 29, the Chilliwack Fire Department was dispatched to a barn fire in the 7400 block of Upper Prairie Road,” Assistant Fire Chief Krista Minar wrote in a statement. “Upon arrival, crews discovered a large shop with an active fire. Thirty firefighters from Halls 1, 2, 4, and 6 promptly responded with support from RCMP, BCEHS, and BC Hydro. Efforts focused on containing the fire from the building’s exterior until an excavator could stabilize the site. Their prompt response and thorough were instrumental in minimizing damage. Fortunately, there were no reported firefighter injuries. However, one occupant sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital before emergency responders arrived.”

The Chilliwack Fire Department is currently investigating the cause of the fire.