Firefighters frustrated after 'many cars' drive over supply hose during Vancouver fire
Multiple drivers ran over a firefighting hose in South Vancouver on Friday, impacting an already tense effort to douse the flames at a two-alarm house fire.
Asst. Deputy Fire Chief Trevor Connelly said one driver eventually broke a supply line running from a fire hydrant to a truck.
"This is an extremely dangerous situation. We have crews inside that building fighting that fire who rely on that water to keep them safe," Connelly said.
"If they lose that water while they're in there, it's catastrophic."
The firefighter said they were fortunate the incident only resulted in a "partial failure," and the supply line was still useable.
The fire broke out around 9:30 a.m. at a property near Ash Street and 61 Avenue, while a number of people were inside the home. Authorities said it appears everyone made it out safely, and no firefighters were injured while extinguishing the flames.
Connelly said crews always do their best to avoid laying supply hoses across busy streets, but that wasn't possible during Friday's effort.
"Today was one of those days where we had no option but to place our hose lines on a busy street, Cambie Street," Connelly said. "Many cars – not just one or two, but many cars – were driving over our supply line, and we need people to know it's extremely dangerous."
Driving over firefighting hoses is also illegal, and Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services said it has asked police to track down the motorist who broke their supply line.
"Luckily there's some surveillance cameras in the area so we will be asking (the Vancouver Police Department) to pursue that," Connelly said.
Frustrated firefighters have issued public reminders about the dangers of running over hoses before, including back in 2018, when a motorist drove over a supply hose in East Vancouver and caused it to split, sending a geyser of water into the air.
Authorities said the hose was worth about $1,000, but the fine for driving over it is just $81.
The cause of Friday's fire has not been determined. Brandon Schell, a tenant who lives downstairs, told CTV News the upstairs unit has been undergoing renovations.
Schell said he learned about the blaze when someone came frantically banging on the home's front door.
"We were just listening to my Will Smith CD," he said. "Someone came knocking on the door and they said the fireplace, the smokestack, the chimney was on fire."
Schell said he has insurance, but is still worried they could lose all of their possessions in the fire.
"Everything we own is in the house," he said. "Some things you can't replace, right?
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Joly, Blair condemn anti-NATO protest in Montreal that saw fires, smashed windows
Federal cabinet ministers condemned an anti-NATO protest in Montreal that turned violent on Friday, saying 'hatred and antisemitism' were on display, but protesters deny the claim, saying they demonstrated against the 'complicity' of NATO member countries in a war that has killed thousands of Palestinians.
Canada's top general takes on U.S. senator in defending womens' role in combat units
Canada's top general firmly rejected the notion of dropping women from combat roles -- a position promoted by president-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defence secretary -- at a security forum underway in Halifax on Saturday.
Retiring? Here's how to switch from saving for your golden years to spending
The last paycheque from a decades-long career arrives next Friday and the nest egg you built during those working years will now turn into a main source of income. It can be a jarring switch from saving for retirement to spending in retirement.
Transit supervisor assaulted with 'torch' made of hairspray can and lighter: police
A Winnipeg man has been charged after a transit supervisor was assaulted with a makeshift torch in the city’s downtown area Friday morning.
Ottawa driver fined for hauling thousands of empty cans in trunk of car
Ontario Provincial Police stopped an Ottawa man for dangerously hauling thousands of empty cans from the back of his car.
NEW Thinking about taking an 'adult gap year'? Here's what experts say you should know
Canadian employees are developing an appetite for an 'adult gap year': a meaningful break later in life to refocus, refresh and indulge in something outside their daily routine, according to experts.
'Her shoe got sucked into the escalator': Toronto family warns of potential risk of wearing Crocs
A Toronto family is speaking out after their 10-year-old daughter's Crocs got stuck in an escalator, ripping the entire toe area of the clog off.
Canada's new income tax brackets in 2025: What you need to know
The Canada Revenue Agency has released updated federal income tax brackets for 2025, reflecting adjustments for inflation. Here’s the breakdown.
Prime Minister Trudeau attends Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Toronto with family
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a Swiftie. His office confirmed to CTV News Toronto that he and members of his family are attending the penultimate show of Taylor Swift's 'The Eras Tour' in Toronto on Friday evening.