City of Richmond
Richmond Apartment Fire Investigation Continues
16 August 2010Richmond Fire-Rescue completed the onsite portion of its investigation and on Thursday, August 12 returned the responsibility of the building back to the property owners. The property owners are now responsible for security, access, information signage at the property and the remediation of the building situation. Damage to the building is extensive and it is not known when or if residents will be able to return to their apartments.
Richmond Fire-Rescue will continue its investigation for the next several weeks; compiling and correlating witness statements, physical evidence and other documentation. If anyone has information they wish to share with Richmond Fire-Rescue they are encouraged to call 604-278-5131.
As with any fire that displaces residents, City of Richmond Emergency Social Services aided residents with their immediate (one to three nights) accommodation and personal item needs. They also aligned them with local organizations, Consulates, government agencies and local charitable organizations including the Salvation Army, SUCCESS and the Tzu Chi Foundation, who are assisting the displaced residents with immediate needs. Richmond Fire-Rescue assisted residents with obtaining critical documents and items from their units in the days following the fire. Access to the building was limited due to standard health and safety concerns of an unstable fire-damaged building as well as the importance of not disturbing the fire investigation site.
Those interested in helping the residents of 8540 Westminster Highway are encouraged to contact one of the local charitable organizations above for more information.
Here are some important fire safety tips
Preparing your family for fire is very important. The basic steps include drawing a floor-plan of your home, marking two ways out of every room; agreeing on a meeting place outside; practicing your escape plan at least twice a year; considering a fire escape ladder for a fast and safe exit from two and three level buildings; making special arrangements for children, older adults, and people with disabilities; making sure everyone in the household can unlock all doors and windows quickly, even in the dark.
If you smell smoke, suspect a fire, or discover a fire, exit the building as quickly as you can and don't stop for anything. If you see a red manual fire alarm pull station, immediately pull it, exit the building and shut the doors behind you if possible. Once you are out, stay out and call 911 immediately as fire alarm systems are not connected to the fire department or 911. Make sure you give your name, the correct address and location of the fire.
When exiting a building on fire, feel the door before opening it, if the door is hot, DO NOT OPEN IT. If you are trapped, close all doors between you and the fire and stuff the cracks around the doors to keep out smoke.
More information is available in printed form by contacting Richmond Fire-Rescue at 604-278-5131 or online at richmond.ca/safety/firerescue/prevention/fire.htm.
