'Close before you doze' says Squamish Fire Rescue after extinguishing morning house fire

Final update at 4:45 p.m. on April 10

The Squamish fire department is reminding residents to keep bedroom doors closed before they go to sleep, in case of fire, following a blaze in Brackendale this morning.

A District spokesperson said that Squamish Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to a house fire in the 41000 block of Government Road at 8:02 a.m. on April 10.

The home's only occupant was outside when the crew arrived. BC Ambulance assessed and released the person, the spokesperson said. 

Four fire trucks and five support vehicles, with a crew of 20 firefighters and two chief officers, were fighting the fire. 

The origin and cause of the fire are under investigation.

"Squamish Fire Rescue would like to use this opportunity to remind residents to test their smoke alarms monthly and always 'close before you doze'—close the bedroom door when sleeping. A closed bedroom door can make the difference between a [482 C] 900 degree Fahrenheit fire room and a survivable bedroom temperature of [38 C] 100 F," the spokesperson said.

Update at 12:50 p.m. on April 10

The District of Squamish updated its social media post on April 10 to say the scene has been cleared.

"Squamish Fire Rescue crews have cleared the scene and the road has been reopened. Thanks for your patience," reads the post on Facebook, which was updated just after 12 p.m. on April 10.

Read more below about the original response earlier Wednesday morning.

Original story

Squamish first responders are currently on the scene of a fire on Government Road in Brackendale. 

BC Ambulance, Squamish Fire Rescue, police, BC Hydro and FortisBC are at the site, as of 9 a.m. on April 10. 

Plumes of smoke can be seen just north of Judd Road. It smells like burning plastic. 

Traffic is being restricted in the area.

"Government Road is closed between Dryden Road and Judd Road is fully closed until further notice. Please avoid the area if possible," said the District of Squamish in a social media post Wednesday morning.

This story was updated as the situation developed.