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2008 News and Information
Richmond Fire-Rescue Battles Three Blazes in Under 10 Hours
21 January 2008Two House Fires
At 7:57 a.m. this morning, Richmond Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a house fire in the 10000 block of No. 2 Road. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was showing from the rear of the structure and all residents were outside and safe. Crews quickly determined the fire was between the walls around the chimney area and was travelling along the floor joists. Crews knocked the fire down by gaining access to the interior voids and by removing the exterior cladding.
A significant amount of structural damage to the house was sustained. Crews were successful in removing the family pet, a dog, who had hidden within the structure during the emergency.
Richmond Fire-Rescue wants to remind the public and residents to have their chimneys inspected by a professional and to prepare and practice your emergency escape plan.
At 10:06 p.m. Sunday, January 20, crews responded to a house fire in the 7000 block of Bridge Street. The residents heard an explosion followed by smoke and fire, then exited the home after calling 911. Crews found the fire had extended from the furnace room into the attic area, which consisted of many different compartments, making it difficult to locate the fire.
Firefighters were finally able to extinguish the blaze after removing a large portion of the ceiling plaster and lathe. Use of the department’s thermal imaging cameras was extremely beneficial in finding the hot spots in the ceiling. There were no injuries to civilians or fire personnel, and the residents were able to find accommodations.
Pub Fire
At 3:05 a.m. Monday, January 21, crews responded to a report of a fire in Moon’s Pub (formerly called the Kingswood Arms Neighbourhood Pub) at the complex at No. 5 Road and King Road. Upon arrival, the fire had spread from outside the building into the interior roof and pub area. Heavy smoke and flames limited the crews’ ability to make an interior attack on the fire. As conditions worsened, fire crews took a defensive posture on the fire and attacked it from outside the building.
Crews were concerned about the roof collapsing, and the icy conditions made the attack on the fire extremely hazardous. Adjacent buildings were evacuated due to heavy smoke conditions and Emergency Social Service staff were called to look after the evacuees. Twenty to 24 firefighters attended the scene and were involved in the ongoing operations. The damage to the building is extensive. RCMP and Richmond Fire-Rescue investigators are investigating the scene to determine the cause of the fire.
One firefighter was taken to hospital with undetermined injuries due to slipping on the ice.
All three fires are currently under investigation.
