A fire at the Richmond Ice Centre on Saturday night led to a number of people being evacuated during a youth hockey tournament.
The blaze broke out around 10 p.m. in a dehumidifier unit at the facility off Steveston Highway and No. 6 Road.
A video of the incident sent to the Richmond News shows firefighters dousing the flames on the second floor of the ice centre.
At the time, there were still four games being played at the Richmond Jets Holiday Bash Tournament, according to one of the event organizers, Brandy Brundige.
(Warning: video below contains some explicit language)
Brundige told the Richmond News that it was lucky that she and others smelled the smoke while there were still people in the building, otherwise more damage could have been done.
A spokesperson for Richmond Fire-Rescue (RFR) said the department responded after getting reports of “heavy smoke” from the arena.
“…staff evacuated patrons at the centre prior to the RFR crew arrival.
“The cause of the smoke was quickly extinguished by the firefighters who then used positive pressure ventilation to clear smoke from the arena.
“Restoration crews were called to continue smoke ventilation and all six ice rinks reopened at 6:00am Sunday.”
The spokesperson added that work will continue today to continue the removal of the smoke odours.
There were no reported injuries to the public or staff and the “City is looking at next steps in replacing the dehumidifier unit.”
