The quick actions of residents and Chilliwack firefighters helped keep a fire from destroying a townhome Wednesday morning (March 13).
The Chilliwack Fire Department said in a news release that smoke was reported at 7:40 a.m. in a townhome in the 46900 block of Russell Road.
Thanks to the vigilance of neighbors and continued updates from bystanders, the situation was swiftly upgraded to a structure fire, prompting the dispatch of adequate resources,” said Krista Minar, assistant fire chief.
About 20 firefighters from Halls 1 and 4 responded and the fire was quickly extinguished.
Minar said that nobody was in the home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries reported among firefighters or residents.
While the fire is still under investigation, Minar said that preliminary reports suggest the fire started from an “accidental electrical source.”
“This underscores the importance of prioritizing electrical safety,” she said. “Key tips include adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines for electrical charging equipment, replacing worn cords and plugs, keeping electrical cords away from heat and water sources, and using multi-outlet extenders, power bars, and surge protectors cautiously and in accordance with manufacturer specifications.”
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