A fire that broke out in Mission Saturday afternoon caused significant damage to a 57-bed emergency homeless shelter. Crews were called to the Haven in the Hollow Shelter around 2:30 p.m., according to a statement from Mission Fire Rescue Services. “Flames and smoke were showing from the roof of the building when our first truck arrived,” the statement said, adding the a search of the building was done immediately upon arrival. “When crews were certain no one was in the building, the department used the ladder truck and hoses from our engine to extinguish the fire. The building suffered heavy damage, and it is not known when residents will return.” No one was injured and residents and staff were temporarily evacuated to a reception centre to a local community centre. The executive director of Mission Community Services, which operates the shelter, issued a statement Saturday evening thanking first responders for their swift response. “All shelter guests have been safely relocated,” the statement said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
