New Westminster firefighters are accepting financial donations for 12 families displaced by an apartment fire in Sapperton.
New West fire crews responded to a fire in Parkside Apartments at 331 Hospital St. at about 6:45 p.m. on Monday, March 27. At that time, the city’s emergency management coordinator and emergency social support staff helped find accommodations and provide support for multiple displaced residents.
Acting fire Chief Erin Williams said fire damage was limited to two suites, with 10 other units suffering smoke and water damage. He said residents of these units were temporarily accommodated under funding through Emergency Management and Climate Response B.C.
“City of New Westminster Emergency Support Services staff will continue to guide residents to supports available in the community while repair work is underway,” he said. “City staff worked closely with the restoration company to expedite repairs to the building and its fire and life safety systems in order to get residents safely back into the undamaged suites.”
According to Williams, the cause of the fire has not been determined at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.”
The New Westminster Firefighters Charitable Society is accepting financial donations for the families who continue to be displaced by the fire.
“Unfortunately, fires happen. Despite the fire department’s best efforts, the aftermath and fallout from these events can be devastating. Not only does fire and smoke damage property and belongings, it can also displace residents for extended periods as repairs are made,” said Alasdair Dunbar, president of the charitable society. “There have been several individuals and families affected by the recent Hospital Street fire, and the New Westminster Firefighters Charitable Society is happy to receive donations to help these community members.”
Financial donations can be made through the charitable website at www.nwfcs.ca or dropped off at the Number 1 fire hall (1 East Sixth Ave.) in the form of cash, card or gift cards.
“New Westminster Firefighters Charitable Society will be collecting donations and liaising with the city to support the affected community members and try to make their time during the displacement less stressful and help with their transition to a new residence or a return to their previous once safe to do so,” Dunbar said.
Dunbar added that Emergency Support Services volunteers are essential at these types of incidents, and it’s always looking for more volunteers to help fellow community members.
To donate to the fire victims or find out more information about volunteering with Emergency Support Services, visit www.nwfcs.ca.
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