Maple Ridge fire dramatic 3rd floor rescue 'close call,' says chief

Firefighters had to rescue several tenants from an early morning apartment fire in Maple Ridge Saturday including a woman surrounded by flames who was plucked from from the third floor.

• Click on the video above to watch the dramatic rescue in progress

"In my 30 years of doing this, this was the closest call we've ever had," said Maple Ridge Fire Chief Dane Spence of the dramatic rescue.

The call initially came in as an explosion around 6 a.m. PT at an apartment complex at 22292 122 Ave.

By the time firefighters got there, Spence said two units were already on fire and a second alarm was immediately called.

Spence said firefighters could see people trappedon the building's third floor balconies unableto get out because of the smoke.

However, he said, firefighters managed to get everyone to safety.

One firefighter had to be taken to hospital after twisting his ankle on debris.

Firefighters were still on scene as of 10 a.m. PT mopping out the remains of the blaze.

Residents who were evacuated have been placed on a bus.

MAP: 22292 122 Ave. Maple Ridge, B.C.