Downtown Eastside fire forces SRO evacuation, crews hope most will be able to return Saturday
Dozens of residents were forced to evacuate a single-room occupancy building in the Downtown Eastside Saturday morning as crews battled a fire in a second-floor unit.
The call came in around 8 a.m. for a fire at 143 Dunlevy Ave., according to Brian Bertuzzi, assistant chief of operations for Vancouver Fire Rescue Service.
When crews first arrived, they found heavy smoke and flame coming from the room where the fire had started, Bertuzzi said, adding that the blaze spread to adjacent units and to the third floor before firefighters were able to extinguish it.
More than 40 firefighters were ultimately called to the scene, according to Bertuzzi.
The assistant chief said approximately 50 to 60 people had evacuated the building, and no injuries had been reported.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, Bertuzzi said, adding that he hoped most residents would be able to return to their homes later in the day.
Residents of five or six affected suites will likely be displaced for longer, he said.
Saturday's fire is the latest one to strike an SRO building in the Downtown Eastside, but several other notable fires have displaced residents this year.
On Sept. 9, crews were called to two fires in the area simultaneously, one on Keefer Street in Chinatown and the other at 6 East Hastings St.
Other blazes have damaged homes, a church and an art gallery, displacing dozens and – in the case of the Winters Hotel fire in April – killing two.
Bertuzzi was asked about the number of fires in the Downtown Eastside this year, at least one of which is suspected to have been arson.
He said it's not yet known whether Saturday's fire was suspicious or accidental.
"It's unfortunate, the amount of fires and displaced occupants down here," Bertuzzi said. "It's been a troubling time for everybody involved to try and find accommodation for the people that have been displaced."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Murder charges filed against U.S. woman who crashed into building hosting birthday party, killing 2 kids
A Michigan woman was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder and other crimes after prosecutors say she drunkenly smashed her SUV into a boat club that was hosting a birthday party, killing two young siblings and injuring several other people.
Toronto's police chief clarifies initial statement on Umar Zameer acquittal, says he 'accepts' jury's finding
Toronto's Chief of Police has clarified a statement that he'd hoped for "a different outcome" made just after Umar's Zameer acquittal, telling reporters Tuesday he supports and accepts the jury's finding in the five-week trial.