The Chilliwack Fire Department is warning the public about misuse of matches and lighters after a grass fire spread to a townhouse complex on Mother’s Day.
It was at approximately 4:30 p.m. on May 9 (Sunday) when 33 firefighters from firehalls 1, 4 and 6 responded to a reported grass fire that had extended to a townhouse complex on South Sumas Road at the 6400-block of Vedder Road.
“Fire crews arrived on scene to heavy fire growth and spread on the exterior wall of a two-storey multi-unit townhouse,” according to a press release issued Monday. “The fire had extended into the interior of the dwelling through a window that had failed due to heat.”
Fire crews set up an offensive attack and were able to quickly bring the fire under control. The fire was confined to the unit of origin.
There was no one home at the time of the incident and the home suffered fire and smoke damage to the exterior and interior of the structure.
There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.
The cause of the fire appears to be accidental and is under investigation by Chilliwack Fire Department.
“Chilliwack Fire Department wants to remind the public that misuse or inappropriate discarding of matches and lighters can have devastating effects. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant on the safe storage and disposal of lighters and matches around your home.”
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Chilliwack firefighters contain a townhouse fire on South Sumas Road at Vedder Road in Chilliwack on May 9, 2021. (Paul Henderson/ Chilliwack Progress)
Still from a video of a townhouse fire on South Sumas at Vedder Road in Chilliwack on May 9, 2021 before Chilliwack Fire Depatment crew arrived. (Submitted)
