A Value Village store in Vancouver was destroyed by an aggressive fire late Wednesday.
The fire broke out in the building at the intersection of Victoria Drive and East Hastings Street shortly after 10:30 p.m.
“The crews arrived to find that the building was completely engulfed, with flames coming out the window to the front street,” said Brad Hesse, assistant chief of operations for the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS).
Hesse said nearly 50 firefighters had put out 90 percent of the blaze by midnight.
There were no reports of injuries or missing people, Hesse said. Photos taken after the fire broke out show that the store was almost reduced to its base. Onlookers lined up on Hastings Street as the first responders battled the fire, which sent a cloud of black smoke through parts of the city.
The Value Village building was completely engulfed in flames, according to fire crews. (Liam Britton / CBC)
“Fire damage is limited to the building itself. But the surrounding buildings have suffered some damage from smoke and heat, “Hesse said.
“The crews did a great job of bringing water … but unfortunately the building was already fully engaged, so it’s very difficult to save a lot there.”
Eyewitness Mary Ho said she “could feel the heat from the other alley” near the store.
The busy East Hastings Street was closed Wednesday night until Thursday morning as firefighters put out hot spots. (Liam Britton / CBC)
Hesse said the streets around the intersection bordering the busy Commercial Drive are likely to remain closed for most of the night as crews clean up and firefighters arrive.
The cause of the fire has not been determined yet.
Add Comment