Close X
Thursday, December 12, 2024
ADVT 
National

Homeless Chilliwack Woman Critically Injured After Tent Catches Fire

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 09 Nov, 2017 11:52 AM
    VANCOUVER — A fire that left a woman with serious injuries has raised concerns about safety for homeless people as temperatures dip in British Columbia's Lower Mainland.
     
    Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz says fire crews were called to two separate blazes involving homeless people overnight Tuesday, including one where a woman sustained serious burns and needed to be airlifted to hospital.
     
    She says officials have heard anecdotal reports that the fire started in a tent, but by the time crews arrive on scene "there wasn't much left."
     
    As winter weather rolls in, Gaetz says officials are hearing more reports of people living on the streets who are using candles and propane to keep warm, posing a danger to themselves and to fire crews.
     
    Capt. Jonathan Gormick with Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services says crews confiscated propane-powered cooking devices and space heaters from a homeless camp in east Vancouver on Tuesday because the devices pose serious health and fire risks.
     
    He says firefighters are trying to work with homeless campers to make sure everyone is safe, but can't allow open flames in tents because a single spark could easily set the fabric on fire and pose a danger to an entire camp.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Eyeball tattoos could lead to blindness and severe infections, doctors warn

    Eyeball tattoos could lead to blindness and severe infections, doctors warn
      Medical professionals and body artists say the practice of tattooing the eyeball, which recently left an Ottawa woman facing the prospect of vision loss, is on the rise despite its many risks.

    Eyeball tattoos could lead to blindness and severe infections, doctors warn

    Toronto and Vancouver among global cities at greatest risk of housing bubble: UBS

    Toronto and Vancouver among global cities at greatest risk of housing bubble: UBS
      Toronto has topped the list of major global cities most at risk of a housing bubble with Vancouver ranking fourth, according to a new report by UBS Group AB.

    Toronto and Vancouver among global cities at greatest risk of housing bubble: UBS

    Hunter knew grizzly was wearing tracking collar before making legal kill in B.C.

    Hunter knew grizzly was wearing tracking collar before making legal kill in B.C.
    "The guide and hunter knew that the bear was collared prior to harvest," the service said in an email. "This was a legal hunt and no investigation is underway."

    Hunter knew grizzly was wearing tracking collar before making legal kill in B.C.

    Prince Harry surprises students by appearing at Toronto We Day event

    Prince Harry surprises students by appearing at Toronto We Day event
      Prince Harry surprised thousands of young people Thursday when he arrived unannounced at the Toronto We Day celebration.

    Prince Harry surprises students by appearing at Toronto We Day event

    Toronto's mayor recommends stadium be renamed to honour Rob Ford

    Toronto's mayor recommends stadium be renamed to honour Rob Ford
      The mayor of Toronto is recommending that a stadium be named after his infamous predecessor — the late Rob Ford.

    Toronto's mayor recommends stadium be renamed to honour Rob Ford

    Alberta NDP takes aim at Jason Kenney in new law on gay-straight alliances

    Alberta NDP takes aim at Jason Kenney in new law on gay-straight alliances
      Alberta's education minister says he plans to change the law to prevent conservative leadership candidate Jason Kenney from outing gay children.

    Alberta NDP takes aim at Jason Kenney in new law on gay-straight alliances