Investigators are on the scene of a fire that has left two Central Lonsdale families out of their homes.
Just after 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, multiple 911 calls began coming in with reports of smoke billowing from the upper floor of a four-storey townhouse on the 200 block of East Eighth Street, according to assistant fire chief Jason De Roy.
By the time crews from North Vancouver city and district fire departments arrived, the flames were spreading rapidly in the home’s attic, but the family of five who live there had made it out safely.
“There wasn't any injuries, which was good, and Emergency Social Services were on scene to assist those who had been displaced from their homes,” De Roy said.
Fire and crews did a good job getting access to the fire and extinguishing it, De Roy added.
The upper unit sustained heavy damage, De Roy said, and the lower unit, which is occupied by a couple, received water damage.
It’s too soon to say what the cause was but witnesses reported the fire coming from the rear of the home, possibly on the deck.
De Roy said the call exemplifies the importance of smoke detectors and having an escape plan.
“If you do have a fire, obviously call 911 to get the help coming, and vacate your home safely, and make sure everybody's accounted for,” he said.
