Early on Christmas morning, multiple families faced unexpected chaos as fire erupted at the Sherbrooke Apartments in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, forcing 99 residents to evacuate. Around 3 am on December 25, the distressing scene unfolded as fire crews arrived to combat the blaze.
Among those caught off guard was Gabriel Hill, who lived with his family on the third floor of the apartment building. "I just threw my hoodie on, put on my shoes and everybody was getting ready to evacuate... Everything was just so sudden. I just can’t believe it’s happening right now," he recounted. Hill's quick thinking was pivotal; after initially rushing to the hallway, he spotted smoke along the staircase and quickly returned to alert his neighbors.
Despite the alarming circumstances, Hill, along with his parents, aunt, and even his cat, managed to escape safely. He expressed gratitude toward local police officers for assisting his mother, who relies on a wheelchair, during the evacuation. Thankfully, all residents of the Sherbrooke Apartments were successfully evacuated and relocated to nearby hotels, as confirmed by the City of Prince Rupert.
According to city officials, the incident impacted 36 units within the apartment complex. The Prince Rupert Fire Department, alongside Emergency Support Services, facilitated the resident's escape and subsequent accommodation. Nevertheless, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, leaving many unanswered questions for those affected.
While residents are relieved to be out of harm's way, they are still grappling with uncertainty. Hill shared his worries about essentials left behind. "It’s really stressful," he admitted, as his family’s medications remained inside their apartment, which they were not yet allowed to access. Thankfully, the Salvation Army has stepped up to aid those displaced by the fire. They are coordinating the collection and distribution of food and other necessary items. Donations of toiletries, hygiene supplies, diapers, bottles, and formula are being requested to support the evacuees during this challenging time.
The community's response emphasizes the importance of communal support during crises. Volunteers have already begun reaching out to assist families with immediate needs, including clothing. Hill mentioned how organizations like the Salvation Army have been instrumental in providing essentials, allowing families to focus on recovery.
Local authorities continue to urge community members to contribute whatever they can. "The city says the Prince Rupert Fire Department and Emergency Support Services responded to the fire at approximately 3 am, impacting 99 residents across various units," the city statement declared, assuring continued support for displaced residents.
Despite the havoc wreaked on Christmas Day, the warmth of community spirit shone through the darkness as residents came together. With recovery efforts underway and extensive local support, many are hopeful for brighter days ahead.
While the investigation seeks to determine the cause and extent of damages caused by the fire, the focus now shifts toward rebuilding lives and restoring stability for the affected families of the Sherbrooke Apartments. Donations can still be made to ease the burden faced by those who lost their homes, as they begin to navigate this unexpected tragedy.
