Fire crews were called out to the 900-block of 4th Avenue in New Westminster around 1:30 p.m., Friday afternoon, shared the City of New Westminster’s Facebook account.
An apartment building is on fire and crews from New West Fire and Burnaby Fire Department are responding.
New Westminster Mayor, Patrick Johnstone, posted on Facebook that a “significant structural fire in the Brow of the Hill,” was currently closing Fourth Avenue between Eighth and Tenth Streets.
“Fire crews successfully performed a couple of balcony rescues and are now fully engaged in trying to contain the spread though the structure,” read the post from Johnstone.
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) was on scene to provide services.
“Paramedics provided emergency medical care to four patients. Three patients were transported to hospital,” said BCEHS.
“New Westminster Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) crews responded to a first alarm apartment fire in the 900 block of 4th avenue. On arrival crews reported multiple units on fire with residents on balconies. Several residents were rescued using ground ladders while crews did an interior attack and assist residents to evacuate,” said Chief Erin Williams of NWFRS.
“The fire was upgraded to a third alarm with mutual aid from Burnaby Fire and a call-out of off duty NWFRS crews. There are currently eight apparatus on scene including two aerial trucks. Two firefighters and one resident have been transported to hospital by BCEHS.”
