Five people have been hospitalized after a broke out fire in Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood on Monday.
A number of people who lived in the four-storey building were still unaccounted for as of Monday afternoon, Vancouver Fire Chief Karen Fry told Global News.
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services were dispatched to the Atira Women’s Society Shelter at 203 Abbott Street just before 11 a.m. The building also houses an SRO (single-room occupancy) and the Flying Pig restaurant is on the ground level.
Sixty firefighters remained on the scene as of 6:45 p.m., according to a statement from the City of Vancouver, and crews are expected to remain overnight to continue battling the blaze.
An exact number of residents rescued from the building has not been provided and a full perimeter remains in effect.
Smoke could be seen billowing from the top floors of the building and out of the fire escape on the roof throughout the day.
Nearby residents told Global News they heard three explosions and they believe the fire started on the second floor in a back room. Fire crews said the fire was very aggressive and the roof of the building had collapsed.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth told a separate news conference on Monday that an estimated 70 residents were affected and a reception centre was being established for those who need support.
The current conditions of the people who were injured is not known.
In its statement, the City of Vancouver said displaced residents are being relocated with help from the Vancouver Emergency Management Agency, BC Housing and Atira Property Management.
“The area will be blocked off until further notice for fire scene investigation and safety assessments,” it reads.
“All people are strongly advised to avoid the area between Carrall and Cambie and Water and Cordova. Residents and businesses are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to potential smoke exposure.”
With files from The Canadian Press
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