Two residents of a Glacier Street apartment complex were taken to Powell River General Hospital after a fire broke out in a second-floor suite of the Oceanview Apartment block.
One resident suffered from smoke inhalation and burns as a result of the blaze, which happened just after 10 pm on Tuesday, December 5, in the Powell River Apartments building complex at 7050 Glacier. As well, a Powell River Fire Rescue firefighter sustained minor injuries.
In addition to firefighters, including auxiliary firefighters, Powell River RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, Powell River Regional Emergency Program and City of Powell River officials attended the incident.
When firefighters arrived, the apartment was fully involved, said Terry Peters, deputy fire chief. “Flames were coming out through the balcony and encroaching on the apartment above,” he said. “We got a quick knock down on the apartment and prevented the fire from spreading into the second apartment.”
While firefighters confined the fire to the apartment where it broke out, adjacent apartments were affected by water and smoke damage. As a result, about 15 people were evacuated from the building and transported to a temporary reception centre at the Salvation Army on Joyce Avenue.
A fire watch was posted overnight.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, said Peters. “It appears to be accidental in nature,” he said.
Ryan Thoms, regional emergency program coordinator, said ESS (Emergency Social Services) officials found temporary accommodation for the evacuees. By Monday, December 10, most of the residents had found accommodation in different apartments in the building complex, he added. “Almost all have gone back to other units,” he said.
Thoms said the response to the fire was “amazing” and it was a long night for volunteers.
Some residents lost quite a lot of their belongings, Thoms said. The Salvation Army is accepting donations in support of residents.
City of Powell River Councillor Debbie Dee said Powell River musicians will be organizing a fundraiser for residents. Details of the event will be released in the near future.
