A fire tore through a shed in the railyards area of Squamish on Friday night.
According to Squamish Fire Rescue (SFR), firefighters were dispatched to the structure fire at 39500 Government Rd., at 11:52 p.m., on May 3.
The fire is not considered suspicious, and no injuries were reported, according to SFR.
The wood-framed storage shed was fully engulfed in flames when the fire department arrived, according to an email to The Squamish Chief from a District spokesperson.
The fire also extended to two nearby corrugated metal structures.
The wooden structure was heavily damaged from the fire and contained various construction-related items, while the two metal sheds contained two gas-powered forklifts, a large compressor, and other various items, according to SFR.
“The quick response and aggressive fire suppression of SFR crews prevented this from becoming a far more serious and damaging fire event,” the District release states, adding that two fire trucks were on the scene.
The release says the last SFR units left the site of the fire at approximately 2:20 a.m. on May 4.
“Credit is to be given to night shift security workers at the adjacent worksites for seeing the fire during their rounds and calling 911,” the release states.
Keith Murray of FraserWood Industries told The Squamish Chief that the fire occurred in a stand-alone storage shed and was caused by oily rags that were improperly stored.
The business specializes in timber products and services.
"There was minimal damage to adjacent buildings and the result of the fire will have no impact on business operation," he said, adding that FraserWood’s Health and Safety Committee is investigating the incident.
"We are thankful to the Squamish fire department for their swift response," he said.
SFR reminds the public that “oily rags wet with flammable or combustible liquid — oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes often used for home improvement projects — create heat as they dry. If stored improperly — such as in a pile without ventilation — they can spontaneously ignite. Never store these items in or near buildings.”
To learn more about the safe handling and storage of oil-soaked rags, contact Squamish Fire Rescue at [email protected] or call 604-898-9666.
(More information can be found on this oily rags safety tips PDF.)
**Please note that this story has been updated as new information was gathered.
