Several residents have been displaced and two people, including a firefighter, were injured after a large fire in an apartment complex in downtown Port Coquitlam on Saturday night.
City officials say the fire started around 10 p.m. PT in the 2245 Wilson Ave. building. Several firefighters responded throughout the night to the fire.
One person was injured by burns, according to officials, and a firefighter had to be treated for smoke inhalation.
Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West told CBC News that an estimated 80 people were displaced by the fire.
More than 80 people were displaced by the Wilson Avenue fire. (Shane MacKichan)
“My heart is with those who have been affected,” West said. “We will make it our priority to make sure we offer these people as much support as possible during this incredibly difficult time.”
Displaced residents were transferred to the nearby Port Coquitlam community center, where they are supported.
Dozens of firefighters attended the fire early Sunday morning, with roads around Wilson Avenue closed. (Shane MacKichan)
‘It’s devastating’
Lynda-Ann Busenius says she was lucky to be out of town when the building caught fire.
“I don’t know what to think,” he told CBC News. “Are you worried like ‘are these my things?’ but things are just things. So does it matter? “
Busenius learned that his unit was unharmed, but he has no idea when he will be able to access it.
“It should be fine, but with smoke damage you never know,” he said. “It’s devastating.”
Roads around Wilson Avenue were closed early Sunday morning due to the fire. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and West said fire investigators were at the scene.