Abbotsford woman loses everything in RV explosion and fire
Published 2:20 pm Thursday, March 5, 2026
An online fundraiser is underway for a woman who was seriously injured in an explosion and fire in Abbotsford on Monday night (March 2).
The GoFundMe campaign states that Sylvia Gillis, 68, suffered severe burns and was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital after the incident at Aloha RV Park and Campsite at 29666 Fraser Hwy.
“Sylvia is a beloved member of our community who recently reached a major milestone: retiring after 40 dedicated years at London Drugs,” the fundraising page states.
The website states that a couple at the RV park pulled Gillis away from the trailer after the explosion and just before it was fully engulfed in flames.
Gillis’s dog, Max, stayed by her side while “trying to protect her from the flames despite suffering burns himself,” the page states.
“Tragically, once Sylvia was safely away from the fire, a spooked and disoriented Max ran and was hit by a car.”
Max was rushed to an emergency veterinarian and is now recovering under the care of a close family friend “but he has a long journey ahead to heal from both his burns and the impact of the accident.”
Gillis has no home to return to and no personal belongings left, the GoFundMe page states.
The campaign is raising money to help support Gillis during her recovery and in rebuilding her life, as well as to cover Max’s vet bills.
“Sylvia has spent her life helping our ommunity through her work; now it is our turn to help her,” the campaign states.
Police on Tuesday said the cause of the fire had not yet been determined.
The fundraising page can be found by searching “Support Sylvia & Hero Dog Max” at gofundme.com.
RELATED: Injured woman airlifted after explosion and fire at Abbotsford RV park
