The first fatal fire of 2020 in Vancouver was caused by smoking-related material, says the City of Vancouver.
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS) said fire crews responded to a home in the 2000 block of West 10th Avenue just after 8 pm on February 16 for a report of a structure fire.
Inside the building, fire fighters found a mobility impaired man, 55, with burns to his body. The man was rescued but died later in the hospital as a result of his injuries.
“Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services investigators have determined the fire to be a result of smokers’ material,” says a brief statement issued by the City of Vancouver.
Smoking-related fires continue to be the leading cause of fire fatalities in Vancouver and have amounted to over $22 million in fire losses from 2011 to 2019.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family and community affected by this loss,” the city said.
