Deadly East Vancouver fire was an accident

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Investigators now say a deadly fire at a house on E. 3rd Ave. near Skeena Street in Vancouver was accidental.

“This is the sixth fire-related death in the city of Vancouver in 2018,” says Assistant Fire Chief David Boone, noting that is a high number.

The fire broke out at about 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Later in the day, we learned a body was found inside the home.

“The initial response was to a report of a garage fire. When crews arrived, they found a fully-involved residential house, with heavy smoke and flames seen from both first and second-floor windows. They immediately upgraded the alarm to a second-alarm assignment,” says Boone.

He tells us when crews arrived, there was no report of anyone trapped inside. “Due to the nature of fire behaviour presenting at that moment, it was decided, based on risk/benefit, there would be no benefit to putting our members at unnecessary risk to enter the structure, being that it was fully involved.”

Crews instead focused on preventing the fire from spreading and knocking it down.

“At some point in the incident, it became known that there was a potential occupant in the house. At that point, the fire had been knocked down and crews did make entry to do a search. During that search, the deceased was located,” says Boone.

“The fire has been determined to be accidental. There was an involvement of Vancouver police and our Vancouver fire investigators to determine the cause. At this point in time, it’s been determined to be accidental,” he emphasizes.

While he can’t comment on whether there were working smoke detectors at this particular home, he says, “many of these unfortunate tragedies have been linked to a lack of an adequate working smoke detector in the residence.”

Boone notes you should be changing the batteries in your smoke detectors twice a year. The detectors themselves should be tested at least once every year.

If you aren’t able to do these checks on your own, you can phone 3-1-1. “Or look at the city’s website for a free home safety check. Our members will get in touch, come out, and answer any questions. If they don’t have a working smoke alarm, we will provide a free working smoke alarm — or could assist with regard to guidance on how to check these smoke alarms.”

 – With files from Alison Bailey

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today