Working smoke alarms helped save a family from a house fire on McCutcheon Avenue in Chilliwack Friday night.
At approximately 8 p.m. on March 31, the Chilliwack Fire Department (CFD) was dispatched to a report of a structure fire located in the 8500-block of McCutcheon Avenue. Occupants were home at the time of the fire. One person in the main floor laundry room was alerted to a fire in the bedroom by the activation of the smoke alarm.
Everyone in the house quickly evacuated the home and 911 was called, according to the CFD.
Firefighters responded from Halls 1 and 4 and, on arrival, reported black smoke and flames venting from the main floor of this two-storey residential home.
Fire crews set up an offensive attack and quickly brought the fire under control, but the home suffered fire and smoke damage to the interior of the structure. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.
The Chilliwack Fire Department said the fire appears to be accidental and is under investigation.
“The Chilliwack Fire Deptartment wants to remind the public that working smoke alarms provide an early warning of a fire, giving people additional escape time,” the CFD said in a press release. “Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.”