A mother, son and seven cats, along with two other renters escaped unscathed from a house fire late Thursday morning in west Maple Ridge, but likely won’t be able to return to the home soon.
Patricia Saindon, the mother, escaped with three other tenants of the rancher-style house, located at 20471 – 123rd Avenue, but said no one was injured.
Saindon and her son rent rooms in the home and she was happy the cats were saved, adding “they make the hard times easier.”
Troy Chipchura, another of the tenants, was in the backyard when he saw smoke, then called 911. He’s happy no one was hurt, but is from Alberta and isn’t sure where he’ll go now.
James Clelland, with the Maple Ridge fire department, said members were still putting out hot spots and was unsure of damages.
On Friday afternoon, Maple Ridge fire chief Howard Exner said the house is severely damaged and the cause of fire remains under investigation.
He added two adult cats and five kitten were also saved and are now being cared for by the SPCA.
Exner doubts any of the tenants will be back in the home soon, and that emergency social services are providing the displaced residents with three days of accommodation at a different location.
