Dozens of renters in Delta, B.C., including several senior citizens, have less than 72 hours to find housing after a fire ripped through their low-income apartment complex Friday night.
Investigators believe the fire broke out on a balcony at around 7 p.m. in the 4600-block of Evergreen Lane, but have not confirmed witness reports that it was started by a barbeque.
Paul Scholfield, Deputy Chief of the Delta Fire Department, said the blaze spread quickly to the attic as firefighters evacuated the complex's four buildings.
"When they started fighting the fire, it had already made its way into the attic space, and it's all exposed," he said. "There's no sprinklers, no fire stops."
In Pictures: Low-income apartment complex fire
No one was injured in the fire, but 22 of the complex's 62 units were completely destroyed. While the building is insured, few of the affected residents are.
The city will provide them food and shelter for 72 hours. After that, they will have to find their own accommodations, though options may be limited for those on a fixed income.
"It's going to be very difficult for these people to find this kind of accommodation," Scholfield said.
An information line for displaced residents was set up at 604-952-3101, and food and drinks are available at the McKee Seniors' Recreation Centre at 5155 47th Avenue.
Second apartment fire this week
On Tuesday, a massive fire at another Delta apartment complex left 80 residents homeless. Most of the building, located at the corner of Nordel Way and Scott Road, was completely destroyed in a fire that raged for 12 hours.
There were no firewalls or sprinklers in the wood frame building, authorities say.
In the aftermath of the fire, Delta Mayor Lois Jackson suggested restrictions on the height of wood-framed walk-ups to three floors.
