A Coquitlam condominium fire on Monday is believed to have been caused by an unattended BBQ on a fourth floor balcony.
"Early indicators are that this was a BBQ fire that may have started on the balcony," Coquitlam fire chief Tony Delmonica said. "It progressed unfortunately into the roof area."
The fire destroyed five suites while water and smoke damaged dozens more. More than 100 people have been displaced from their homes, and the depth of the loss was felt today for the owners and tenants.
Joe Dagan, a tenant in the condo complex on Princess Crescent lost all his belongings in the fire. He is not insured, and frustrated that his neighbour was cooking on barbeque on a small balcony.
"It doesn't sound right that in 30 degree heat that somebody is going to fire up a BBQ on a 4th floor balcony," Dagan said.
The Pinetree Community Centre was packed with tenants trying to find out how long it will take to asses the damage and for repairs to be made.
The property manager of the apartment wasn't sure if BBQ's were allowed on balconies in the complex, but Wayne Locke of the BC Safety Authority said that's the case with some balconies.
To ensure BBQ safety, the BC Safety Authority suggests:
- Place your BBQ outside in a well-ventilated area with at least a 3 or 4 feet distance from flammable materials, especially wood or vinyl siding
- Never leave a BBQ unattended
- Before using it each season, have any worn fittings, hoses or burners replaced
- Check often for valve blockages for spider webs. Use a flexible brush to remove them
- Regularly check cylinder connections for leaks using a 50/50 solution of dish soap and water
- Keep a working fire extinguisher within easy reach
With files from CTV's Peter Grainger
