One Person Deceased in Richmond Apartment Fire

RICHMOND, BC, Aug. 7 /CNW/ - One person has been killed in an apartment fire early Saturday in Richmond. The name and age of the deceased is not being released pending notification of next of kin. The fire is now out and crews are expected to remain on scene for several hours dealing with hot spots and conducting damage assessment.

Fire Rescue responded to the fire in a three storey apartment building at 8540 Westminster Highway at 1:45 a.m. Saturday. The fire was fully involved when fire crews arrived and a number of residents had to be rescued from their balconies. The entire building was evacuated.

An emergency reception centre for evacuated residents has been set up at the Vancouver Airport Hilton located at 5911 Minoru Boulevard, Richmond. Residents of the evacuated buildings who have not yet reported to authorities are encouraged to register at the centre.

Thirty-three fire fighters from Richmond Fire-Rescue and 10 paramedics from BC Ambulance Service responded.

BC Ambulance has treated 10 residents for a variety of health issues and an undetermined number have been taken to hospital.

The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time. Damage to the building is extensive. Residents of two adjoining apartment buildings have been evacuated as a safety precaution. Richmond Emergency Social Services is assisting evacuated residents in finding temporary accommodation and other urgent needs.

Westminster Highway is closed between Garden City Way and Cooney Road and is expected to remain closed for several hours.

For further information: Media Inquiries: Ted Townsend, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, City of Richmond, Tel: [phone], Cell: 604-516-9585, Email: [email protected]