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Back in March, an Abbotsford woman named Sylvia Gillis and her dog Max barely escaped with their lives when her fifth-wheel RV exploded at Aloha RV Park. Max stayed by her side as the flames closed in, suffering burns before running off in a panic — neighbours found him and rushed him to an emergency vet. Now we know what caused the explosion: rodents had chewed through electrical wires and a gas hose, leaking propane into the trailer for weeks.

– Emily

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In March, an Abbotsford woman and her dog were nearly killed when her fifth-wheel RV exploded at Aloha RV Park. 

An investigation from Technical Safety BC recently determined the cause of the fiery emergency: rodents.

According to the report from TSBC, the rodents had chewed through electrical wires and a section of the gas hose attached to the RV’s kitchen area, causing low-pressure propane to slowly leak into the trailer.

The rodent damage—believed to have been caused weeks before the fire—wasn’t in a location that could easily be inspected. As propane levels dropped, the supplier was notified that the tank was low, prompting an earlier-than-usual refill. The supplier delivered more fuel to the RV’s tank on the morning of the explosion, when the trailer’s owner, Sylvia Gillis, was out.

TSBC found that the RV’s propane gas alarm, meant to detect and alert the owner and nearby residents of leaks, “was not found among the debris” and is believed to have been non-functioning or missing. 

“None of the fuel delivery driver, neighbours, or occupant reported a gas alarm sounding from the RV,” the TSBC report read.

As the propane continued to leak, “the accumulated gas–air mixture found an ignition source,” leading to an explosion that blew the roof and walls from the trailer and caused extensive interior damage, according to the report. It also left Gillis—and her pet dog—with severe injuries.

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Downtown Chilliwack transforms for one incredible weekend! See 10 new murals painted live by local and international artists. Enjoy live music across three stages, the graffiti jam wall, the artist cube, and a market full of local makers. A full day of art, music, and community for the whole family.

🔥 B.C. declared a province-wide state of emergency on August 8 as over 100 wildfires burned across the province, with roughly 21,700 people under evacuation orders. [CBC News]

🚒 Two Mission Fire Rescue Service members have been deployed to assist BC Wildfire Service suppression efforts in Keremeos as part of the provincial mutual aid system. [Mission City Record]

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🔍 As of August 8, search and rescue crews were actively searching Cultus Lake after a 13-year-old girl fell from a paddleboard into the water following a suspected medical emergency. [CBC News]

🌱 Four UFV students attended the Canadian Produce Marketing Association convention in Toronto, sponsored by global produce company Oppy, gaining industry connections and confidence. [UFV]

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Symphony in the Park: Songs Strings and Steps presents a free full symphony orchestra concert conducted by Calvin Dyck at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford on August 14. Admission by donation, food trucks on site.

Outdoor Salsa Class in Chilliwack: A beginner salsa class runs every Thursday evening in Chilliwack starting August 13. $20 drop-in or $80 for all four classes.

Arts Alive Festival in Downtown Langley: The Downtown Langley Business Association's annual street festival celebrates its 30th year on August 15, with over 200 visual and performing artists, live demonstrations, and free family activities along Fraser Highway.

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