FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 30, 2019

Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives in Travel Trailer Fire

At 1:00 am this morning, firefighters from Chilliwack Fire Department firehalls 1 and 4 responded to a structure fire located in the 44000 block of Yale Road. On arrival, fire crews found a fully involved travel trailer fire in the rear of the commercial property.

Firefighters managed to control and extinguish the fire, and limit exposure damage to the adjacent motor homes. The fire completely destroyed the trailer.

There were 2 residents sleeping in the trailer at the time of the fire. Fortunately, two (2) working smoke alarms activated and woke them up. They managed to safely evacuate with their dog but unfortunately their cat perished in the trailer. The homeowners suffered minor smoke inhalation and were treated on scene by BC Ambulance paramedics. There were no firefighter injuries.

Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers responded to the scene to assist the homeowners with emergency housing and other necessities.

Cause of the fire appears to be accidental and is still under investigation by the Chilliwack Fire Department fire investigators.

The Chilliwack Fire Department would like to remind residents to install and test their smoke alarms. If a fire occurs, working smoke alarms provide early warning, allowing you to safely escape.

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For more information contact:
Ian Josephson, Fire Chief
Chilliwack Fire Department
Phone: 604.793.2731
josephson@chilliwack.co