‘Get out, get out’: Dozens evacuated in deadly Abbotsford complex fire
Posted March 7, 2019 6:12 am.
Last Updated March 7, 2019 10:32 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) – Witnesses are describing a terrifying scene after a deadly fire broke out and quickly spread through part of an apartment complex in Abbotsford.
The BC Coroners Service confirms a woman in her 60s has died.
“After the fire was under control, secondary search crews located a female in her 60s in her suite. The female was attended by the BC Ambulance Service but sadly succumbed to her injuries a short time later,” read a statement from Abbotsford police.
The fire started around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday near Peardonville and Clearbrook Roads. Neighbours say some of the residents were trapped on their balconies, closing the door behind them to escape the flames.
People in the area say the complex has no sprinklers, explaining the area is a cluster of older, wooden buildings.
They say about two busloads of people were evacuated from the building. Witnesses say first responders were giving a woman CPR before she was rushed off to the hospital.
“I heard a bunch of yelling telling us there was a fire outside,” one of the neighbours told NEWS 1130. “And then I heard somebody yell out ‘get out, get out, get out’ and I just busted outside, came around the corner and the roof was already in flames.”
Fire is said to have broken out around on the third floor of the building. Flames quickly jumped to the roof and then other suites.
Crews are still dealing with hot spots. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
“Abbotsford Police Department Major Crime Detectives, the AFRS and the BC Coroners Service continue their investigations this morning,” said Abbotsford police. “This does not appear to be a suspicious fire at this time.”
