A family of five residing on Government Road in the North Yards is without a home after fire destroyed their house in the early morning Sunday (Aug. 5).
"They are totally burned out of their home, they won't be able to return," said Squamish Fire Rescue Chief Ray Saurette. "The home will have to be demolished."
A sixth resident is also now without a home since the structure he lived in on the same property relied on power from the burned-out house.
One family member was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. No one else suffered injuries.
Fire Rescue investigators have gathered all the evidence at the site, but are still working with other agencies to help provide details.
"It's not suspicious from the perspective of 'Was it a set fire?' - not the case," said Saurette. "But we're still trying to pinpoint what actually did happen.
"We're still waiting for statements and other agencies to help rule in or rule out other issues."
Just a few minutes after midnight, 18 members of Squamish Fire Rescue's Hall 2 were dispatched to the blazing fire. Within minutes, another 11 members from Hall 1 arrived. Saurette said all resources were dispatched to the scene. It took crews three hours to put out the flames and secure the area.
"It was a quick response," said neighbour Sean Vansterepen of Fire Rescue's arrival. "They were on the ball."
Victim Services and Squamish Emergency programs worked with the displaced residents to find them shelter and help with emotional distress.
The provincial Burned Out Family Assistance program offers up to 72 hours accommodation for victims of fire as well as anything else victims need.
"Accommodation-wise, the town was booked up," said Saurette.
"But the family was able to find assistance through other family or friends."
