Several online fundraisers have been set up for residents who lost everything in the large apartment fire Tuesday morning (May 3) in Abbotsford.
The fire broke out at about 6 a.m. at the Tamarind Westside apartments at 30515 Cardinal Ave. (just east of Mt. Lehman Road).
Residents from approximately 160 units at that building and at its twin at 30525 Cardinal Ave. were evacuated.
As of 7 p.m. Tuesday, tenants at 30525 were able to return. It is unclear when tenants of the impacted building will be able to return, even to at least gather personal belongings.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
RELATED: Large apartment fire in west Abbotsford
Any displaced residents are being asked to check in at the reception centre at Northview Community Church at 32040 Downes Rd.
Abbotsford and Mission Emergency Support Services have been working with Emergency Management BC to set up temporary lodging and vouchers for food, clothing and other daily necessities.
The city spokesperson said these services typically stay in place for 72 hours until insurance support is activated but can be extended if additional assistance is required.
She said Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service has worked with several residents to provide facilitated access to important items such as passports and medication.
RELATED: Aftermath of Abbotsford fire on Cardinal Avenue reveals heavy damage
Meanwhile, several GoFundMe campaigns have begun for tenants who lost everything in the blaze. Most of them can be found by searching “fire in Abbotsford” at gofundme.com.
Some specific pages include:
• Help the Goyers Recover from an apartment fire
• Loss of home twice in one year
• Mo & Tyler’s Home and Belongings Destroyed by Fire
• Help to start replace what was lost in the fire
• Emergency help for James & Jordan
• Lost everything in Abbotsford building fire
• Matthew & Kyla Abbotsford Fire Recovery Fund
vhopes@abbynews.com
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