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Two police officers and firefighter treated after New Westminster apartment fire
Fifteen residents were helped to safety after a New Westminster apartment fire Thursday night. Two officers and one firefighter were treated for smoke inhalation; the cause remains under investigation.
Two police officers and a firefighter were treated for smoke inhalation after a fire at a New Westminster apartment building Thursday evening.
Crews were called to 5th Avenue near 8th Street at about 6 p.m. and found one suite engulfed in flames. The building was evacuated, and police and firefighters helped 15 residents get to safety, including several people who could not get out on their own.
New Westminster police said two officers went to hospital for smoke inhalation and have since been released. Fire crews said a firefighter was also treated by paramedics.
Resident Diane Pick-Ross said smoke blocked her from leaving through the lobby and stairwell before responders reached her. She said firefighters carried her down scaffolding surrounding the building.
The fire was contained to one unit, though the rest of the building sustained some smoke damage. Most residents were allowed back inside later that night. The cause is under investigation.