A Facebook group has been set up for anyone who wants to help the families affected by a fire that broke out at Emerald Place Estates in Brackendale on Tuesday evening.
Members of the group, called “Help those affected by the Emerald Place Fire,” are offering clothes, food and a warm place to stay to anyone who needs it.
For the most part, the ages and genders of the children aren’t known yet, so the helpful locals are waiting on many of their donations.
Around 5:30 p.m., police, paramedics and around 30 firefighters rushed to the townhouse complex near Government Road and Eagle Run Drive down from the Petro-Canada gas station.
Two units were heavily damaged by the fire and a few other units have smoke and water damage, the District of Squamish said. The cause hasn’t been determined yet and, fortunately, everyone got out safely and there are no injuries reported.
“The crew did a good job of containing it to two units. They were quick and efficient,” fire chief Bill Stoner told The Squamish Chief the morning after the fire.
Fire halls No. 1 and 2 were both called out and the last of the firefighters didn’t leave until around 11 p.m., he said. Smoke could still be smelled around the complex even in the early morning hours.
The Red Cross Emergency Social Services team helped people find a safe place to stay for the night. Administrators of the Facebook group say they will keep people up to date on donations that are needed.
“This is such a traumatic event for these families, which will take the generosity and support of the entire community to overcome. It's not surprising to see such a swift response because Squamish has always responded to a community need in such a compassionate and heartwarming way. I know this will be no different," said Mayor Patricia Heintzman in an email to The Chief.
“An immense amount of appreciation is extended to the brave men and women of Squamish Fire Rescue who responded with such skill and commitment, and to all the emergency response agencies who assisted in the effort.”
