Chilliwack – Wednesday evening around 5:45PM, the homeless camp under the Yale Downtown downtown railway overpass had to be evacuated due to fire. It appears the damage is minimal but for someone sleeping on the streets, it’s a major problem.
Overnight Wind Chill temperatures in Chilliwack are expected to hover around -15 to -20 for the next couple of nights.
There were some 10 tents in the camp.
Chilliwack Fire and RCMP are investigating. Griffin Security has the area taped off although traffic was getting through on Railway Avenue near Bernard.
No word on the cause of the fire, and no one was hurt.
Mayor Sharon Gaetz told FVN that as of 10 PM, there were no injuries. The homeless at the camp were mustered at the McDonalds off Alexander and that the Salvation Army were ready to take in the victims until they can find shelter. Obviously the Sally Ann will need sleeping bags, arctic style jackets, socks and in a perfect world, safe shelter.
They also need snack food for overnight- ie Timmies
More to come.
Photos Courtesy Ann Soutar/Catherine Farrall
