A massive blaze in East Vancouver has closed East Hastings Street between Nanaimo and Lakewood Streets on Wednesday morning.
According to Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, shortly after 4 a.m., crews were able to put out the first fire at a business on the south side of the street, before it expanded and reignited.
VFRS says the fire spread to a neighbouring mixed-use building, where seven residents were evacuated. No injuries have been reported.
“We’re operating at a third alarm fire because of the number of structures involved, and we still have heavy smoke, and we have flames coming from the structure,” public information officer Capt. Matthew Trudeau told 1130 NewsRadio.
Thick black and grey smoke was billowing into the air, with the smell travelling across much of Vancouver. Crews managed to knock down the fire by around 9 a.m.
“We do have fire investigators on scene since early this morning, and they’re gonna be collecting details and getting information as this fire progresses,” Trudeau explained. “We’ll be looking into which area, which business it started from, and how it spreads up and inwards to the building.”
A restaurant — The Indian Chefs Kitchen and Bar, a butcher — Windsor Meats, and a shoe store — Wohlford & Co., have been impacted by the fire. Other nearby businesses, including a pharmacy, may have been damaged by smoke and water.
VFRS is urging people to stay away from the area, as crews, including 35 to 40 firefighters, continue to put out hot spots.
Nicole, the co-owner of Shop Woven, tells 1130 NewsRadio that the building that houses her store has been structurally damaged.
“I’ll probably have to move,” she said. “I’m glad nobody was hurt. It’s just bad for the community to see more businesses go and people be displaced. It’s just really unfortunate.”
Her business, which she owns and runs with her husband, sells clothing to film productions and to the public through private appointments.
“Vintage, pre-loved, luxury goods. We’ll see what’s happening in there once we get in there, and how bad it is if everything is smoke-damaged,” Nicole explained.
“We’re going to be here for some time still, because we still have heavy smoke that can be seen in a lot of parts of the city,” Trudeau said.
“We need the public to stay away at this time so we can do our job. … We have a large scene right now with a lot of water, a lot of trucks out,” Assistant Fire Chief Keith Stewart added.
VFRS says it received “multiple” calls about the smoke from across the city.
“Keep windows and doors closed if possible. If you see fire/smoke or your alarm goes off, call 911.”
source: CityNews photo: VFRS
