Crews called to massive fire at vacant Vancouver apartment building
A Vancouver apartment building that has been vacant since it was gutted by a fire almost exactly a year ago was engulfed in flames Tuesday.
Vancouver Fire Rescue Services Assistant Chief Keith Stewart said initial reports around 4:30 p.m. noted heavy black smoke billowing from the three-storey building at 414 E. 10 Ave.
“Upon arrival, the entire third floor of this vacant structure was on fire,” he said, adding that there have been multiple fires reported in the empty building in the past 12 months.
“We have no firefighters inside, we’re doing an exterior attack at this time. Once the fire’s under control, if we can go inside at that time, we’ll do that to do a search. But at this time, we have not been inside the structure.”
Over 40 firefighters were involved in the effort to contain the blaze and have been able to prevent it from spreading to any neighbouring buildings, Stewart added.
On July 26, 2023, a fire tore through the 80-unit building, damaging it so extensively that all of the tenants were displaced. Fencing was put up around the perimeter and access points were boarded up, but in the months following the fire, VFRS said it received several calls for fires after “squatters” made their way inside.
In September of 2023, the acting assistant chief for VFRS described the building and the repeated fires as “a danger to the neighbourhood.”
Rob Vucci, who lives in the building next door, said the repeated fires have caused frustration and fear for people who live in the area.
“I’m potentially watching my home burn down and thinking about how entirely preventable this would be if the city had just done something to take care of the life and safety of people in this area,” he said, his voice shaking.
“This building should have been torn down a year ago.”
The City of Vancouver, in an email, said the building did not “meet the criteria to order it demolished in the interest of public safety.” The security and safety of the building, the city said, is “fully” the responsibility of its owner.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Second Cup closes Montreal franchise over hateful incident
Second Cup Café has closed one of its franchise locations in Montreal following allegations of hateful remarks and gestures made by the franchisee in a video that was widely circulated online during a pro-Palestinian protest on Thursday.
‘It’s pretty emotional:’ N.B. family escape fire, plan to rebuild home
A family in Riverview, N.B., is making plans for Christmas and the future after escaping a fire in their home on November, 14.
'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-Olympian
One year after a couple was shot and killed in their Caledon home in what investigators have described as a case of mistaken identity, Ontario Provincial Police say they are still trying to figure out who pulled the trigger.
Scurvy resurgence highlights issues of food insecurity in Canada's rural and remote areas
A disease often thought to only affect 18th century sailors is reemerging in Canada.
A man called 911 for help during a home invasion. Las Vegas police fatally shot him
A Las Vegas man called for police help during a home invasion before an officer fatally shot him, according to authorities and 911 calls.
These royal residences are opening their doors this Christmas
Not so long ago, if you wanted to spend Christmas with the royal family, the only way to get close was to press your nose up to the TV screen during the monarch’s Christmas speech.
Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA
Donations are ramping up for a BC SPCA cat with a mangled paw after being caught in a hunting snare, one of a rising number of pets to fall prey to the hunting device.
Halifax International Security Forum concludes with ‘sense of optimism’
The 16th annual Halifax International Security Forum, with an emphasis on defending democracy through global security, concluded Sunday with a renewed united approach in uncertain political times.
Jannik Sinner leads Italy past the Netherlands for its second consecutive Davis Cup
Jannik Sinner clinched Italy’s second consecutive Davis Cup title and capped his breakthrough season by beating Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor.