Shortly before noon, the fire alarm went off in Building 248. New Westminster Fire Department were onsite within five minutes and the building was evacuated.
Initial reports indicate an issue with a system in the underground parking. Council VP is attending with the firefighters.
As of this writing, residents are back in the building. I’ll provide further details as I get them.
To emphasize–there was no fire and the other two buildings were not affected.
UPDATE: Some issues have been identified and updates added to the post.
I thought it might be useful to update the current state of access for the complex, due to the construction taking place. Some of this is based on conversations with the onsite foreman.
Please obey all signs and barriers for your own safety!
Building 248: No restrictions. The Prostar C-can (office/first aid/supply area) has been moved from the central courtyard to the driveway next to the 248 building.
Building 244: The exit located to the right of the main entrance (when standing outside) is temporarily closed as pavers are removed from in front of it. As this also a fire exit, it will be made accessible for emergency use only by the end of today, May 8th. UPDATE: This was not done and is being investigated by council. The main entrance is open but with a restricted path due to work on completion of Phase 1.
Building 240: The exit located on the south of the building is currently for emergency use only, as it leads directly into the construction area between 240 and 244. This will re-open once a temporary path is re-established through the construction area (no ETA yet, but should be soon). UPDATE: Having checked, there is now a significant drop-off from the exit to the concrete slab. This is also being followed up on by council.
Staircase to hospital pathway: This will be temporarily closed as work on completion of Phase 1 continues. It is currently open and will remain open until at least Monday, May 11th.
Allen Street staircase: Currently available for exiting the 244 building, but no access around the east side of the building until a temporary path through the construction area is created.
Heritage Courtyard: Gates in the protective fencing are to allow for watering and access to the other side of the courtyard. Residents are not to stay in or use the area inside the protective barriers, as this is a violation of New Westminster bylaws.
Parkades: Unaffected.
Keep checking back for updates. I am working to keep information as fresh and complete as possible.
A reminder that the smoke alarms in all units are being inspected next week. The tests usually only take a few minutes, but require someone to be in the unit. If your unit is not available for inspection, you face the possibility of a fine, so make sure to arrange to have someone there (also, making sure the smoke alarms function correctly is kind of important in the event of an actual fire).
The inspection times are from 9 am to 5 pm and dates are:
Building 240: February 23 (Monday)
Building 244: February 24 (Tuesday)
Building 248: February 25 (Wednesday)
Per the official notice from Shore Fire Protection:
Technicians will commence annual inspection at 9:00 A.M. The residents must provide access to their units during above-mentioned time and date. To conduct this process as quickly and efficiently as possible technicians will be starting at the top floor and working their way down. Technicians will not be doing any backtracking to inspect suites. A technician will not enter any suites unaccompanied.
In case your unit is not inspected during the scheduled time, please call 778-325-6644 immediately. Please do not call this number prior to the inspection to request a specific service time for your unit, as we are unable to accommodate such inquiries.