No smoke detector in fatal Surrey motorhome fire: Official

Fire officials are highlighting the need for functioning smoke alarms, after a recreational vehicle fire left one man dead in Surrey on Friday morning.

The smouldering fire began slowly, with smoke filling an R.V. shortly after 7 a.m. in an R.V. park in the 800-block of 160 Street, according to officials.

Surrey RCMP said in a news release that neighbours called 911 after they noticed smoke coming from the vehicle, but couldn't gain entry.

While putting out the fire, crews found a man inside the R.V. He was quickly taken outside, where first responders unsuccessfully tried to resuscitate him.

The man's identity has not been released, and the incident will be investigated by the Surrey Fire Service, Surrey RCMP, and the B.C. Coroners Service.

No working smoke detector

Assistant Surrey Fire Chief Steve Robinson said in a released statement that crews found no working smoke detector inside the burnt R.V.

Firefighters canvassed the entire R.V. park, and were able to check inside 16 of the 46 units there. Robinson said in his statement that only half of the units checked had working alarms. Two more units had alarms needing new batteries, and six had no detectors at all.

"Research shows that occupants have a 74 per cent greater chance of escaping a fire with a working smoke alarm," said Robinson.

Fire crews will return to the R.V. park to try to check the remaining units over the next few days.

Robinson points out that Surrey residents without working smoke alarms will be provided with free detectors.

They can call 604-543-6780 to have a fire safety inspection of their home, and to have detectors installed.