About 150 residents displaced by major New Westminster apartment fire
Approximately 150 people across two buildings have been displaced from their homes after a major apartment fire in New Westminster that trapped some residents on balconies and required firefighters to battle the flames for about 13 hours.
The affected building contains 42 apartment units. A neighbouring apartment building with an estimated 20 to 30 units was also evacuated as a precaution.
Two firefighters and one resident were taken to hospital with injuries. The City said all residents have been accounted for.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services responded to the apartment building at 905 4th Ave. — the vicinity of the intersection of 10th Street and 4th Avenue — at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10.
When crews arrived, several suites were on fire and some residents were unable to leave the building. Firefighters used ground ladders to rescue multiple people from balconies while other crews entered the building to fight the fire and help evacuate residents.
According to a news release early Saturday afternoon, the incident on Friday was quickly escalated to a third-alarm fire, bringing additional resources to the scene. Off-duty New Westminster firefighters were called in, while the Burnaby Fire Department provided more help.
At the height of the response, eight fire department vehicles were at the property, including two aerial trucks.
Firefighters brought the main blaze under control at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, but remained at the property to extinguish hotspots and prevent the fire from flaring up again.
Amir Ali/Daily Hive
Amir Ali/Daily Hive
An excavator was also brought to the site to help crews safely reach areas of the heavily damaged building that were otherwise difficult to access. Firefighters were expected to remain at the scene throughout Saturday.
People living near the fire are being advised to keep their windows closed while smoke remains in the area. Roads surrounding 905 4th Ave. remain closed to vehicle traffic, and the public is being asked to stay away from the area so firefighters and other emergency personnel can continue working safely.
“Our crews did an amazing job under extremely dynamic conditions,” said New Westminster Fire Chief Erin Williams in a statement.
“Burnaby firefighters worked side by side with our crews throughout the incident, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support. We also appreciate the offers of assistance from neighbouring agencies, including Vancouver Fire Rescue Services. Our hearts go out to the residents who are experiencing this devastating loss. We are working closely with our Emergency Management team, Emergency Support Services volunteers, and the Province to help residents however we can. I also want to thank our community for its incredible outpouring of support.”
Amir Ali/Daily Hive
Emergency Support Services volunteers opened a reception centre at Century House on Friday evening and arranged transportation for people forced to leave their homes.
A total of 18 volunteers, including personnel from Delta and Vancouver, were assisting with the response. They were assessing residents’ individual needs and helping them access temporary accommodation, clothing, groceries and other essential supplies.
According to the municipal government, the New Westminster Neighbourhood House is overseeing donations for affected residents. The organization said financial contributions and gift cards offer the greatest flexibility because they can be used according to each household’s needs. Monetary donations can be sent by e-transfer to admin@newwestnh.ca.
New or gently used clothing and shoes are also being accepted, along with gift cards — preferably in smaller denominations — at the Lord Kelvin Elementary School gymnasium at 1010 Hamilton Street. The donation entrance is accessible from Seventh Avenue.
The donation centre will be open today (Saturday, July 11) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and tomorrow (Sunday, July 12) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is expected to remain open for approximately one week, with weekday operating hours still to be announced.
“Emergency Support Services volunteers have worked tirelessly to ensure residents have access to the essentials they need during an incredibly stressful time,” said Cory Hansen, Manager of Emergency Management.
With files from Amir Ali.