AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 11, 2026
Active Fire on Agnes Street in Downtown New Westminster
Firefighters are responding to a serious apartment fire that erupted early Sunday morning at 37 Agnes Street in downtown New Westminster. The incident required the evacuation of the building and the mobilization of a significant emergency response.
Building Evacuation and Emergency Reception Centre
The fire, which began around 3:45 a.m. Pacific Time, prompted the evacuation of all residents from the affected apartment building. New Westminster Fire Chief Erin Williams reported that firefighters arrived to find heavy flames coming from a third-floor balcony. Smoke from the blaze was still lingering in the area at 8:30 a.m.
Fire crews worked to ensure that everyone, including individuals with mobility challenges and a pet, was safely evacuated. Residents were transported by bus to an emergency reception centre established at the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre on East 6th Avenue, where they are receiving support.
Third Alarm Response and Multi-Agency Effort
Due to the escalation and spread of the fire into several suites on the third floor, the emergency was declared a third alarm incident. This prompted additional support from Burnaby firefighters, who joined New Westminster crews in battling the flames on Agnes Street.
Approximately 45 firefighters have been involved in the response. According to Chief Williams, paramedics are at the scene, and, as of the last report, there have been no injuries.
Royal Avenue Closure and Public Advisory
The City of New Westminster has closed Royal Avenue between Fourth Street and McBride Boulevard in all directions. Residents and visitors are being asked to avoid the area while emergency operations continue.
Community Impact and Eyewitness Accounts
Lory Egeland, a resident living about a block away from the fire, described waking up to the smell of smoke and observing fire crews working for hours to control the blaze. "They’ve been pummelling this thing," she said. Egeland expressed concern for those displaced by the fire, noting the difficulty of such an event occurring over Thanksgiving.
Next Steps and Ongoing Investigation
Chief Williams stated that a full investigation into the cause of the apartment fire would begin once the situation is under control and the building is safe to enter. Fire crews remain on site, continuing their work to contain and extinguish the fire while monitoring conditions for fire safety and community support.
Source: cbc.ca.
