Image: Travis Schroeder, used with permission /

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Apartment fire

Apartment fire damages 3 units on Princess Avenue Thursday night: Chilliwack Fire Dept.

Jun 21, 2024 | 10:31 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack Fire Department personnel say an apartment fire broke out Thursday evening just as fire crews were in the final stages of mopping up an earlier fire on Yale Road.

According to a statement from Assistant Fire Krista Minar, Chilliwack firefighters were called to a a second fire at approximately 7:40 p.m. in the 46000 block of Princess Avenue. When firefighters first arrived, crews discovered smoke and flames coming from the second-story balcony of a three-story residential apartment building. Approximately 45 firefighters from all halls were activated.

Travis Schroeder, a Chilliwack resident who witnessed the fire from his downtown home, said Chilliwack firefighters responded quickly to the apartment fire. “Very fast responding, and lots of firemen did a great job and fast.”

Image: Travis Schroeder / Chilliwack Fire Dept. engines at the scene of the apartment fire Thursday night.

Due to the swift action of fire crews at the scene, combined with the first arriving unit being in close proximity, the damage was successfully limited to 3 of 12 units, Minar said. All occupants evacuated safely.

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RCMP assisted on the scene, and Emergency Support Services were activated to help the families displaced by the fire. There were no reported injuries among firefighters or occupants. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Earlier in the evening, firefighters responded to the 46000 block of Yale Road, believed to be a Thai restaurant, after receiving reports about the smell of smoke in a structure. Fire crews, who were nearby, quickly assessed the situation and upgraded the event to a structure fire. Approximately 30 firefighters from Halls 1, 2, 4, and 6 responded.

Firefighters promptly secured a water supply and vigilantly worked to locate the source of the fire and fully extinguish.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to motorists and pedestrians that follow traffic control measures put in place to allow firefighters to work safely and effectively,” Minar said.

RCMP and BCEHS attended the scene offer support. There were no injuries reported among the public or firefighters. The property sustained minor fire damage and significant smoke damage. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

“For both incidents, the Chilliwack Fire Department extends its gratitude to all supporting agencies and the public for their cooperation and understanding during these emergencies,” Minar said.