22 firefighters battle blaze in east Maple Ridge

An abandoned house went up in flames Wednesday evening in east Maple Ridge.

Fire crews were called to the structure fire at about 7:30 p.m. at the corner of 124 Avenue and 264 Street – a fire that deputy chief Geoff Spriggs said destroyed the buildings.

Assistant fire chief Nik Virs, who is working on the investigation said that both the house and a detached garage suffered extensive fire damage.

The charred remains of the buildings were all that was left on the property, surrounded by caution tape in the affluent neighbourhood.

Graffiti could still be seen over large sections of the house.

There were six apparatus on scene and about 22 firefighters until about 11:30 p.m. when they had extinguished the fire.

No other properties were in danger from the flames, noted Spriggs. He said it was a fairly large lot with not a lot of exposures.

Ridge Meadows RCMP were also on scene.

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Crews were still on scene Thursday morning trying to figure out what caused the fire.

“Although the cause of the fire is suspicious and under investigation this incident highlights the need for heightened vigilance when it comes to fire safety, even in vacant or abandoned structures,” cautioned Virs.

“Fires in such properties can rapidly escalate, endangering nearby homes, surrounding vegetation, and the lives of our firefighters,” he added.

And with the recent hot and sunny weather, Spriggs noted, conditions right now are dry.

“It doesn’t take much, and a little bit of wind, and it will run away from you really, really quickly,” he said, noting that conditions right now are not in their favour.

The fire department is encouraging all residents to take the appropriate precautions including:

• Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice any suspicious or illegal activities near vacant or abandoned properties, promptly contact authorities. By reporting such activities, you can help prevent potential fire hazards.

• Secure Abandoned Buildings: Property owners and community organizations should make every effort to secure abandoned structures, including boarding up windows and doors, to prevent unauthorized entry and reduce the risk of arson.

• Fire Safety Education: Take advantage of fire safety education programs offered by the fire department. These programs provide valuable information on fire prevention, escape planning, and the proper use of fire safety equipment.

• Smoke Detectors and Alarms: Ensure that smoke detectors are installed on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. Regularly test them and replace batteries at least once a year.

• Clear Escape Routes: Keep exits clear of clutter to facilitate a swift and safe evacuation in the event of a fire. Establish and practice a family emergency escape plan, designating a meeting point outside the home.

• Responsible Outdoor Burning: If permitted in your area, adhere to local regulations for outdoor burning. Maintain a safe distance from structures, never leave fires unattended, and have proper fire suppression tools readily available.

“Prevention is our best defence against fires. By being proactive and implementing these fire safety measures, we can protect our homes, families, and community from unnecessary harm,” added Virs, noting that he is working alongside Ridge Meadows RCMP to find the cause and origin of the fire.