Around 20 people are in temporary accommodation after a fire ripped through their apartment block in the early hours of Friday.
Shortly before 2 a.m. Richmond RCMP and Richmond Fire-Rescue were called to the blaze in the 8000-block of Bennett Road, just southeast of No. 3 Road and Granville Avenue.
As firefighters tackled the flames, more than 20 people were evacuated from their homes. Buses were utilized from the Coast Mountain Bus Company to keep people warm, while temporary housing could be arranged by the City of Richmond’s Emergency Social Services.
“People helping each other mobilize and get to safety was truly heart-warming,” said Richmond RCMP’s Cpl. Dennis Hwang.
“Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported. We are working with Richmond Fire-Rescue to determine the cause of the fire.
“Although we are in the preliminary stages of our investigation, this fire is being treated as suspicious.
“We will be combing the area for evidence and we’d appreciate hearing from anyone who might have any information on this fire to contact us.”
If you have any information on this crime, contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212. To leave a tip on this crime, email [email protected] or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
