Driver crashes into B.C. home, causing destructive fire

A house fire in Chilliwack, B.C., on June 16, 2026, was caused by a car crashing into the residence. (Image credit: Amanda Brewster)

Two families were displaced after a fire that started when a driver crashed into a B.C. home early Tuesday morning, according to authorities.

More than two dozen firefighters were called to the home at around 1:45 a.m. to find a “heavy fire” that started in the basement and spread to the second storey, the Chilliwack Fire Department said in a statement.

“Initial reports indicated that a vehicle had left the roadway, collided with the residence, and came to rest inside the basement of the home,” according to the department’s statement, which added, “all occupants had safely evacuated.”

No residents or first responders were injured.

Mounties were called to the scene and are investigating the incident, saying the driver was the only occupant of the crashed vehicle.

“Alcohol is believed to be a factor at this time,” a spokesperson for the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment said, in a statement. Police did not say if the driver was arrested, and said no additional details will be provided while the investigation is ongoing.