Fire in Chilliwack, B.C., destroys businesses and apartments

Every firehall in Chilliwack, B.C., was involved in fighting a destructive blaze in the centre of the city.

A statement from the fire department says crews encountered heavy, black smoke as they went to the scene at about 12:30 Wednesday morning.

The fire was in a mixed-use building with apartments over commercial space.

The statement says three dozen crew members were involved and they at first tried to fight the fire from inside, but were forced to withdraw and take a defensive strategy to gain control of the blaze.

There were no reported injuries to either residents or firefighters, although the fire department says it's a good reminder for residents of the importance of having working smoke alarms.

It says the cause of the fire remains under investigation.