Four police officers had to be taken to hospital for minor smoke inhalation after a fire at a two-storey building in East Vancouver this afternoon.
At about 2 o’clock this afternoon, patrol officers saw smoke coming from the second floor apartments over top of the shops along Kingsway.
Officers could hear the screams of residents inside unable to find their way out through the thick smoke.
Four residents and pets had to be evacuated from the residential area at the rear of the building.
One of the officers was struck in the head as parts of the ceiling began to collapse.
The four officers involved have now been released from hospital. They are in good condition and will be recovering at home.
There are no additional injuries.
It is unclear what caused the fire at this time.
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