
Crews performed defensive fire attack operations on this incident due to the number of explosions occurring
At about 2 a.m. Friday (March 3), five Vancouver Fire Department units were dispatched to the area of the Cost Less Auto Parts located at 10507 NE 53rd St. for a fire in a large homeless encampment.
The first fire engine to arrive found a heavy amount of fire in several makeshift structures and tents with people fleeing the area. Crews performed defensive fire attack operations on this incident due to the number of explosions occurring at the time of arrival and protected the adjacent business in the immediate area to keep the fire from spreading to those buildings.
One resident of the encampment was treated and released with minor burns.
In total, 14 firefighters were on scene for two and ½ hours fighting this difficult fire. The fire is currently under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s office.
Information provided by Vancouver Fire Department.
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Oh, my! How politically correct! “Houseless”. I expected better of CCToday. One of the MAIN reasons I read CCT is because it isn’t the columbian….. “Houseless”?????
Am glad this homeless camp was destroyed. It reeked of filth and nastiness.
Am glad no firefighters were injured.. and only one minor injury amongst the ‘residents.’
That would explain the extra drug addicts wandering around this weekend on Gher Road.