A blaze that tore through a social housing complex at Blanshard and Hillside has forced 39 people from their homes.
Victoria Fire Crews got the call around 3 am after someone noticed flames shooting out the back of a bottom floor unit. Crews arrived to find the fire at Evergreen Terrace fully involved and moving from a bottom floor unit to the second floor and through the roof.
All on duty personnel as well as 4 off duty fire fighters were called to fight the blaze. Ten townhomes have been damaged by either fire, or smoke and water. Crews remain on scene extinguishing hot spots and trying to determine the cause.
Victoria Fire Department's Emergency Social Services were dispatched to the scene to care for the displaced occupants. Occupants were provided food and clothing vouchers and arrangements were made for temporary housing at a local hotel.
While everyone got out two people needed to betreated for smoke inhalation. They've since been released from hospital.
Many residents fled in their pajamas - and lost everything. The Mustard Seed opened its doors for the families , and is accepting donations of blankets and clothing. Santas Anonymous will be stepping in to replace loved toys lost by young residents.THey will accept cash donations or gift cards from department and grocery stores. Thos can be dropped off at the station here on Broad Street - earmarked for 'Blanshard Fire Victims' -- you can leave it with our front desk c/o Santas Anonymous. Cheques shopuld be made out to CFAX Santas Anonymous.
There have been no reports of injury, but Reverend Al Tysick with the Dandelion Society says he has learned two dogs have been killed in the blaze.