An Abbotsford Police officer helped evacuate a mom and three small children from a house fire earlier tonight (Thursday).
The officer was the first to arrive at the residence at 32055 Joyce Avenue, where a fire was reported at about 9 p.m. He grabbed two young children, while urging the mom to leave with the third.
Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service then arrived and found smoke coming from a covered area at the back.
Deputy Fire Chief Mike Helmer said crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire before it spread, although heavy smoke came into the home.
"Fire crews spoke to two young juveniles living in the house, and they advised that they had been smoking in the area and must have discarded cigarettes in this area," he said.
None of the occupants needed to be taken to hospital.
Helmer estimated the smoke and fire damage at $20,000. Six fire trucks and 20 firefighters were on scene.