Crews respond to two separate blazes in Abbotsford

The Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) says it assisted fire crews at two separate blazes Saturday evening.

The first fire was at a large barn on Simpson Road near Leveuvre.

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Police say they were called to the property shortly before 9 p.m. to assist with traffic control. Sgt. Paul Walker tells CityNews officers were not directly involved in the scene or the investigation.

Just over an hour later, the AbbyPD was called to assist at a blaze at an encampment on Peardonville Road close to Highway 1.

Nobody was found at the site, police say. The fire was extinguished, and it doesn’t appear to have been suspicious.

“The area contained a significant accumulation of materials, including propane tanks, electronics, generators, jerry cans, and other flammable items, which pose an ongoing fire risk,” Walker said.

“This incident highlights the growing safety concerns associated with the camp, including the accumulation of hazardous materials and the increased risk to both occupants and first responders.”

The Peardonville fire is just the latest concerning incident in encampments within Abbotsford city limits in recent weeks. Officials have been calling on the province to step in and do something about crime and disorder in those communities, saying it is outside of city bylaws to address the issue.

Walker says the two fires were unrelated.

We have reached out to Abbotsford Fire and Rescue Service for more information.