British Columbia

Richmond fire crews battle trailer fire, save cabinetry business

The cause of the fire is currently unknown, doesn’t appear suspicious at this time.

Couple living in the house didn't know their trailer was on fire until neighbours woke them up

The fire completely destroyed the camping trailer near the couple's house. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

A couple's home and cabinetry business were saved after Richmond firefighters successfully fought a trailer fire early Sunday morning.

Multiple residents called 911 just after 1 a.m., after seeing flames and smoke coming from the couple's camping trailer behind their house in the 5700-block of Francis Road.

The couple were not aware their trailer was on fire until neighbours began ringing their doorbell.

Chief Graebel says crews initially had trouble locating the fire, but quickly extinguished it before it got worse. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

Battalion Chief Gord Graebel with Richmond Fire and Rescue said a quick and aggressive attack by the first arriving crews prevented the fire from damaging other parts of the property.

"The hydrant was relatively close by and they managed to get it knocked down in quite a short fashion," he said. "Unfortunately the travel trailer is a total loss."

Business saved

Crews also prevented the flames from spreading to the man's shop on the same property, where he was running a private cabinetry business.

Fire crews stage outside the house on Francis Road. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

"Fortunately we were able to stop the fire before it got into that part of the structure," said Graebel. "It was very nice work."

The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but Graebel says it doesn't appear suspicious in nature.