Fire crews try to get a better look at a trailer fire on Skwali Reserve on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020. They could not access the blaze with fire engines. (Jenna Hauck/ The Progress)

Fire crews try to get a better look at a trailer fire on Skwali Reserve on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020. They could not access the blaze with fire engines. (Jenna Hauck/ The Progress)

UPDATE: Family dog wakes occupant as travel trailer goes up in flames in Chilliwack

Access to the hard-to-reach fire by Chilliwack firefighters stymied by muddy roads on Skwali Reserve

  • Feb. 11, 2020 12:00 a.m.

A person who was sleeping in a trailer when it caught fire was able to escape, thanks to their dog.

The dog woke its owner when the fire broke out Tuesday morning on the Skwali Reserve, north of the Skwah Reserve.

Crews from Halls 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 responded to the hard-to-reach fire which was located in a field on the north side of Hope Slough.

Firefighters attended to the end of Landing Drive, and on arrival found a fully involved travel trailer fire, but they quickly learned they could not get to the location of the fire due to thick mud on the only access road.

Just before 9 a.m., firefighters were loading shovels, hoses and axes into a pickup truck to get to the fire, and a smaller truck with water and four-by-four capabilities was being dispatched from Hall 5.

The fire completely destroyed the trailer.

The occupant of the trailer suffered minor smoke inhalation and was taken to Chilliwack General Hospital by B.C. Ambulance Service paramedics for further observation. There were no firefighter injuries.

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


Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: paul.henderson@theprogress.com

@PeeJayAitchLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Chilliwack Progress