Victoria Fire Department is issuing a reminder to residents to clear buildings if they hear alarm bells after two such fires in a week.
Among them was a Friday (March 1) evening fire at 467 Swift St. where crews were also hindered by a damaged water pipe that was in need of replacement.
When crews arrived around 7:30 p.m. they found water coming from a room on the third floor and could hear a sprinkler system engaged and flowing water within a suite.
Upon entry they found heavy smoke and flames at the back of the room.
“Fire operations were met with unexpected challenges from the beginning. The standpipes (building water supply) proved compromised, forcing crews to improvise and change tactics,” the statement reads.
“It certainly did impede suppression efforts as we had to change tactics and drag a 2.5” hose to the start of the rear stairwell. Additionally, because of the delay, the sprinklers remained on in the suite, and the water damage to the building couldn’t be stopped as quickly,” Acting Captain Phillips said.
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Rather than using building supplied water, firefighters created a supply line directly from the truck. Firefighters also helped multiple tenants with mobility issues vacate the fire floor.
Two people were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.
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