Apartment Fire + Online Crime Reporting System

Issue #655

Author

Carla McNeil
July 12, 2026

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Sunday July 12, 2026

🧶 Knitting & Crocheting Circle – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🦖 Kids Pokémon League - New West – 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

🎶 Uptown Live Summer Series – 12:00 PM to 4:15 PM

🚢 Samson V Museum – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

📿 July Beading Workshops – 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM

🍽️ Community Lunch at You N Me' Cafe – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🐾 Paws on the Patio – 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

🎨 Origami with Yuki Anthony: Big Kids (7-12 years) – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🎉 Condom Packing Party in New West with HIM – 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🗣️ Dr. Norman Finkelstein – 4:00 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Sunday Night Open Mic! – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 NFMA Sunday Funday Bingo – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Monday July 13, 2026

📖 Storybook Academy at In Movement – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🎭️ The Era's Camp at In Movement – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

🌊 FRDC Summer Camps: River Engineers – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🧘 Peace, Be Still Monday Meditation – 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM

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🎨 Downtown’s Living Room at Anvil Centre – 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

🎙️ Begbie's Open Mic – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Tuesday July 14, 2026

📖 Storybook Academy at In Movement – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🎭️ The Era's Camp at In Movement – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

🌊 FRDC Summer Camps: River Engineers – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🎨 Storytime and Craft (3-5 years) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

🎨 Art in Moody Park: Art Workshop – 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

📚️ BYO Book Club – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

📱 Bring Your Own Device Tech Café! – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

🧶 Youth Knitting and Crochet Club (6-18 years) – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

🎤 Ukulele Level 1 at Mechanics of Music Studio – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

📽️ Climate Films: Emergence – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

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🎲 Howe Sound Hot B*tch Rock & Roll Bingo – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭️ Notorious Grey Fox Trivia Tuesdays – 7:00 PM

An estimated 150 people have been forced from their homes after a major fire destroyed a three-storey apartment building and damaged a neighbouring property in New Westminster.

New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services was called to 905 Fourth Avenue, near 10th Street, at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10. The incident was initially reported as a first-alarm apartment fire.

Several suites were already burning when crews arrived, and some residents were trapped on balconies. Firefighters used ground ladders to rescue multiple people while other crews entered the building to fight the flames and help evacuate occupants.

As conditions worsened, the fire was quickly upgraded to a third-alarm response. Off-duty New Westminster firefighters were called in, and the Burnaby Fire Department provided mutual aid.

At the height of the response, eight fire department vehicles were at the scene, including two aerial trucks. Vancouver Fire Rescue Services was among the neighbouring agencies that offered additional assistance.

Three people were taken to hospital, including one resident and two firefighters. The firefighters were later released and were recovering at home. City officials confirmed that all residents had been accounted for.

The main fire was brought under control at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, about 13 hours after the initial call.

Crews remained at the property throughout Saturday, using large volumes of water to extinguish hot spots and prevent the fire from flaring up again. An excavator was brought to the site to help firefighters reach unstable and heavily damaged sections of the building that could not be safely accessed.

The fire destroyed a building containing 42 apartment units. A neighbouring apartment building with approximately 20 to 30 units was also evacuated as a precaution after sustaining smoke and water damage.

New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone said residents from both buildings had been displaced, with many losing most or all of their belongings. He praised firefighters, paramedics, police officers, emergency volunteers, city staff and community organizations for responding to the emergency.

Some residents of the neighbouring building said they were ordered to leave immediately and did not have time to collect medication, identification or other necessities. They were later advised that they could be unable to return home for approximately 10 days.

Emergency Support Services opened a reception centre at Century House on Friday evening and coordinated transportation for evacuees.

A total of 18 volunteers, including personnel from Delta and Vancouver, were assisting displaced residents. They were assessing individual needs and helping people obtain temporary accommodation, clothing, groceries and other essential supplies.

The city said it was working with its Emergency Management team, Emergency Support Services volunteers, community partners and the provincial government to support affected residents.

The New Westminster Neighbourhood House is coordinating community donations. Financial contributions and gift cards are being encouraged because they allow households to purchase items based on their individual needs.

Monetary donations can be sent by e-transfer to [email protected].

New or gently used clothing and shoes are also being collected, along with gift cards in smaller denominations, at the Lord Kelvin Elementary School gymnasium at 1010 Hamilton Street. The donation entrance is accessible from Seventh Avenue.

The donation centre is scheduled to operate from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 12. It is expected to remain open for approximately one week, with weekday hours still to be confirmed.

Roads surrounding 905 Fourth Avenue remained closed to vehicle traffic while emergency crews continued working. People living nearby were advised to keep their windows closed while smoke remained in the area, and members of the public were asked to stay away from the scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Photo courtesy of NWPD

Reporting a non-emergency incident to the New Westminster Police Department is now faster, easier, and more accessible.

The New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) has launched an upgraded online reporting system that allows residents to report non-emergency incidents from their computer or mobile device in just a few simple steps.

The enhanced platform can be used to report incidents such as property theft, mischief, fraud, and problem traffic areas. New features include the ability to save an incomplete report and return to it within 30 days, email updates on the status of your report, and support for multiple languages, including French, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Somali, Tigrinya, and Dari.

According to NWPD, the improved system helps streamline the reporting process while providing valuable information that helps police identify trends and allocate resources where they're needed most.

The online reporting tool is intended for non-emergency incidents only. Emergencies, crimes in progress, incidents involving violence, or cases where the suspect is known should still be reported by calling 9-1-1 or the police non-emergency line, as appropriate.

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