One person is dead and another remains in hospital after a fire at a Burnaby house with multiple suites and as many as 11 people in it at the time.
And there are lessons to be learned from this tragedy, which happened Tuesday and right before the start of national Fire Prevention Week.
First is that Burnaby firefighters are damn heroes for the work they do every day.
Emergency crews were called to 4450 Victory Street at about 10:30 p.m., according to acting assistant fire Chief Mark Forsberg.
On arrival, he said firefighters found smoke billowing out of almost every window and “heavy fire” coming out of the back of the building.
Upon learning there were people still inside, firefighters entered through the flames at the back, according to Forsberg.
“They encountered high heat, virtually zero visibility, and the occupants were found by the rear door,” he said.
The two people were “completely unresponsive,” he said, so firefighters initiated CPR and managed to get a pulse before handing them over to BC Ambulance.
One of the people died, however, and the other remains in hospital, according to Burnaby RCMP.
Forsberg said the house had been broken into multiple suites and there were reports of as many as 11 people in the building at the time of the fire.
“It has not been determined yet as to whether it was a rooming house or a halfway house,” he said. “Our fire prevention office is still looking to get information on that this morning.”
As we arrive to Fire Prevention Week, this fire and others throughout the year are a stark reminder to make sure you have working smoke detectors.
This year, Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 3 to 9 and the theme is "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety."
Knowing the different sounds smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make and knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. It's important that when an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you take action.
The National Fire Protection Association, which organizes the annual prevention and awareness week, recommends that people take a good look around their home in order to identify potential fire hazards and risks and also listen for the sound of one’s fire alarm while ensuring the devices are in good working order.
What is your alarm telling you?
Knowing that can be the difference between life and death.
- With additional reporting by Cornelia Naylor
