Dozens of residents have been displaced after a big fire at an apartment building in Marpole Saturday morning.
The three-alarm fire broke out at the building on Osler Street and 70th Avenue at about 5:30 a.m.
Officials said it appears the blaze started on the second floor, before spreading. The three-storey walkup was engulfed in flames when crews arrived. Twenty-five residents were forced out, and fire officials say it’s not likely anyone will be able to return soon.
“Not today, because there was heavy smoke throughout the building. Even if it wasn’t touched it will have that smoke in there. It will stink in there for a little while,” said Battalion Chief Dan Christie. “You wouldn’t want to live in there, that’s for sure.”
Bill McMunnigle had lived in the building for over ten years and was planning to retire soon. Only four guitars remained from his valuable memorabilia collection and he has been left with almost nothing.
"To all the people out there, do not neglect your tenant's insurance. I'm seeing the results of that now. I let mine run out," he said.
According to fire officials there were reports of small explosions during the fire. Neighbours speculated that there was dangerous or illegal activity in the suite where the fire started.
“This was totally avoidable had the manager listened,” said neighbour Jenny.
No one was injured and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Julie Nolin
