Submitted. On Sunday, January 27, 2013, the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service (AFRS) responded to reports of two separate structure fires.
At 06:33 A.M. the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service responded to a reported house fire at 28412 River Road.
Fire crews arrived to find a mobile home fully engulfed in flames with two occupants safely outside. Fire crews extinguished the fire, but could not save the structure. The occupants woke to sounds of crackling and discovered fire by a wood fired stove. Despite attempts by the occupants to put out the blaze, the fire quickly spread destroying the mobile home after the occupant called 911.
A second fire was reported at 07:44 A.M. and the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service responded to a house on fire at 33562 Clayburn Road.
Fire crews arrived to find a single story home engulfed in heavy smoke and flames. Initiating an aggressive exterior attack, fire crews were able to quickly knock down and extinguish the fire. The occupant awoke to the sound of glass breaking and escaped out a window after discovering fire and smoke had confined the occupant to the bedroom. The occupant was taken by BC Ambulance to hospital for treatment from exposure to smoke, but was very fortunate to escape unharmed.
The home sustained heavy fire and smoke damage estimated to be over $ 75,000.
The Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service continues to investigate to determine the cause of each fire. The two fires are separate and not considered suspicious; however, neither home had working smoke alarms.
The Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service reminds homeowners that smoke alarms are required by law. Smoke alarms save lives by providing early fire detection and warning giving precious time to evacuate. It is important that all levels of your home have working smoke alarms installed, especially near sleeping areas.
The following practices will ensure your smoke alarms are kept in good working order:
Install hardwired interconnected smoke alarms on each level and near sleeping areas Test alarms monthly and replace when older than ten years If battery operated, refresh batteries at least once a year Clean smoke alarms by gently vacuuming the exterior at least once every six months