13 fires with damage in 24 hours- 4 fires simultaneously

July 23 2024 –

On July 22, 2024 firefighters responded to 13 fires with damage within a 24-hour period: 

09:25am: Crews were called to the 2700 block of E 27th Ave for a report of a fire in a house under demolition. Fire was upgraded to a working fire while responding from heavy smoke seen blocks away. On arrival, crews were met with heavy fire from the basement, extending up the walls to the roof. Firefighter quickly got water on the fire, protecting 2 adjacent houses and preventing further damage. There were no injuries reported and crews remained on scene to ensure the remaining structure was knocked down and fire was fully extinguished. No injuries.

The fire was accidental in nature cause from misuse of ignition material.

11:55am: Firefighters were called to the 1100 Block of Granville Street to a high-rise residential SRO building for a report of a unit fire. Crews entered the unit to extinguish the fire, which was being controlled by a sprinkler head.

The fire was accidentally caused by carelessly discarded smoker’s material related to drug use.

4:25pm: Firefighters responded to the 1600 Block of Franklin Street for a fire in the rear of the building. On arrival, flames 3 to 4 meters in height were extending from the structure and gas main. 11 VFRS apparatus responded to the call and knocked down the fire containing the fire to the area of origin. No injuries or displaced persons.

Fire investigators determined the fire was incendiary, as it was intentionally set at the gas main.

4:43pm: Multiple 911 calls alerted firefighters to the 2000 Block of W 16th Ave, who arrived to heavy flames and smoke. The fire quickly spread to an adjacent house and incident was upgraded to a 2nd alarm fire with 16 VFRS apparatus on scene to extinguish the fire and stop further damage. No injuries reported but 3 persons were displaced.

The fire was accidentally caused by carelessly discarded smoker’s material. 

6:14pm: Firefighters were called to the 100 Block of Gore Avenue for a door on fire at the rear of a business. Crews quickly extinguished the fire, checked for extension into the building, and stopped further damage to the structure. No injuries reported.

The fire was accidentally caused by carelessly discarded smoker’s material. 

8pm: Firefighters received multiple calls for a fire on a high-rise residential balcony on the 1400 Block of W 71st Avenue. Crews forced entry into a unit and extinguished a fire on a balcony involving combustible planters and flower pots. 10 VFRS apparatus responded to the emergency. No injuries reported or persons displaced.

The fire was accidentally caused by carelessly discarded smoker’s material. 

8:41pm: Crews were called to Keefer Place and Carrall for reports of a wildland fire. Crews found a smouldering area 30 feet by 10 feet in size and extinguished the fire, preventing further spread.

The fire is under investigation. 

01:44pm: We received reports of a fire at a commercial building at 01:44 this morning, July 23, at 843 E Hastings Street. 7 apparatus responded. Reports indicate that an extinguisher was used to contain the fire, and firefighters removed a cardboard sign of the building and overhauled the area to ensure no extension into the building. 

The fire is under investigation.

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