Editor:
(On Saturday) in New Westminster, at 12th and Dublin, I witnessed a fire engulf part of a building.
When the fire started in the apartment complex and people rushed to the street in safety, raw emotions unfolded.
Many stood and watched the firefighters of New Westminster Fire Department working hard at putting out the flames. A couple driving up to see their home on fire, rushing from their car weeping.
A young man with no shoes, no shirt, standing on the sidewalk. A man crouched on the ground with his head in his hands, no doubt realizing his enormous loss.
I watched the people who were affected and felt so much sadness for their loss. We have all read about a fire or watched one on the news. The impact of seeing people and their reactions as it happens was very different for me.
I thought of the small businesses on the ground floor and the damage that would happen from the smoke and water. How they most likely won’t be able to operate for a period of time. Businesses that the owners depend on to support themselves and their families.
Thank you to the firefighters that arrived on scene within moments of the fire starting.
As a bystander, I thought to myself how heart-wrenching it would be to see these raw emotions often as a regular occurrence in your job. To all first responders, we are lucky to have you.
Rachele Roulston, New Westminster
