A significant apartment fire in Richmond's Steveston neighbourhood has left residents from 18 suites without a home, though officials report a fortunate outcome with no injuries to residents or firefighters.
Fire Erupts in Steveston Apartment Building
Richmond Fire-Rescue crews were dispatched shortly before 8 p.m. on Tuesday following reports of a structure fire at a residential building located near the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Broadway Street.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a serious blaze, with visible smoke and flames emanating from the upper floor of the building. Assistant Deputy Chief of Operations Grant Wyenberg confirmed the severity of the incident, noting the fire's destructive path through the top level.
Swift Response and Evacuation Efforts
Fire crews immediately launched a dual-pronged attack on the emergency. One team worked aggressively to contain and extinguish the flames, while other personnel focused on ensuring the safety of the building's occupants.
These crews assisted with the full evacuation of the building and conducted thorough searches to confirm no one was trapped inside. The coordinated effort was successful in preventing any physical harm.
"No injuries have been reported to either residents or fire personnel," stated Wyenberg, highlighting the positive result of the rapid emergency response.
Investigation Underway, Cause Unknown
In the aftermath of the fire, the focus has shifted to determining how the blaze began. Richmond Fire-Rescue has initiated the preliminary stages of its fire investigation.
As of now, the official cause of the fire and its precise point of origin remain undetermined. Investigators will work to piece together the events that led to the destructive incident.
The fire has resulted in the displacement of multiple households, creating an urgent need for temporary housing and support for those affected. The community is left awaiting answers as the investigation continues.
