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Cigarette, garbage blamed for smoke in uptown White Rock

Fire crews alerted Friday afternoon
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White Rock firefighters were called to the 1400-block of Johnston Road Friday afternoon, after smoke began billowing from a grate in front of the Rexall pharmacy. (File photo)

A discarded cigarette butt is believed to be the cause of smoke seen billowing from a grate in uptown White Rock Friday afternoon.

Fire Chief Phil Lemire said crews were alerted to the issue in the 1400-block of Johnston Road – in front of the Rexall pharmacy – at 3:15 p.m. June 7.

The investigation – which took firefighters inside the Miramar Village tower first – determined the source was a ventilation shaft that serves the underground parking areas.

“The smoke was obvious on arrival. It took a few minutes to suss out where it was coming from,” Lemire said.

Lemire suspects a carelessly discarded cigarette butt ignited garbage and other materials that have been dropped into the shaft over the past dozen years or so.

No injuries were reported.



Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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