WATCH: Investigators are trying to determine the cause of that huge fire in Coquitlam yesterday that burned more than 100 people out of their homes. Grace Ke reports on how residents are coping today.
UPDATE: Feb. 17 – 5:36 p.m.:
Donations are now being accepted for displaced Glen Drive residents. Donors are asked to drop off items at the Eagle Ridge United Church at 2183 Glen Drive between the hours of 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday night.
Needed items include:
-non-perishable food
-gently-used clean clothes
-toiletries including diapers and feminine supplies
-pet food
-new or gently-used toys
UPDATE: Feb. 17 – 2:31 p.m.:
Residents of 2915 Glen Drive in Coquitlam remain evacuated and will not be re-admitted today following a fire on Monday evening.
Residents who have not already done so are requested to please report to the Reception Centre at the Pinetree Community Centre (1260 Pinetree Way), even if you have other accommodations, so that we know you are safe and sound. The Reception Centre will re-open from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. today for residents who have not yet registered.
Based on initial assessment, it’s likely that the entire building will be displaced for several months.
At this time we do not have an update on when residents will be able to access their suites to retrieve personal items.
Contacts for residents of 2915 Glen Drive:
Dan Spieano – Strataco Management (property manager)
604-294-4141
Managers@stratacomgmt.com
Jaime Kallstrom – Claimspro (adjuster)
604-524-4556
Jaime.kallstrom@scm.ca
Morris McKenzie – service master (restoration)
604-968-7596
Mmckenzie@servicemaster.bc.ca
Previous story from Feb. 17 – 8 a.m.:
Around 100 residents of an apartment complex in Coquitlam were evacuated last night due to a large fire — and it could be months before people can return.
“Residents of 2915 Glen Drive have been evacuated and will not be re-admitted this evening. Fire crews are still battling the blaze and are expected to remain on scene throughout the night,” the City of Coquitlam said in a statement at 10 p.m., six hours after the fire broke out.
“The Reception Centre (at 1260 Pinetree Way) is expected to be operational by 6:30 pm. Residents living in neighbouring buildings or throughout City Centre area will notice smoke for at least the next few hours. Please keep your windows and doors closed. If you suffer from respiratory issues, you are encouraged to find alternate accommodation with family or friends or report to the Reception Centre until the fire is addressed.”
City officials are asking everyone displaced to check in at the centre, and also register if they have pets unaccounted for. Another 50 people from nearby buildings have also been evacuated from their homes for the evening.
The fire is in Glenborough, a four-storey strata with 144 suites on the north side of Glen Drive between Pacific and Johnson. It started around 4 p.m. and quickly spread, destroying three units.
WATCH: Raw video from Global 1 and Zenon Chichak of the fire
Crews worked diligently on the fire throughout the night, but it continued to flare up regularly.
Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart says it appears to have started in a balcony.
“We’ve got a lost of displaced residents…as the fire department continues to battle this fire, it’s in the attic spaces now which is a real challenge,” he said.
WATCH: Mayor Stewart tells Global News what is next for condo residents
It’s unknown what started the fire, but Coquitlam Fire Chief Wade Pierlot says he doesn’t think the complex had sprinklers.
Stewart said the Provincial Emergency Program has been enacted to ensure everyone displaced has a place to stay in the days to come.
“The help take place for a couple days. We try and support them for the toughest days,” he said.
“For some residents, this will be many months of displacement. We’ve lost several units, and there’s a lot of damage in other units.”
WATCH: Firefighters continue to attack the stubborn fire into the evening
A local animal shelter has taken the lead in caring for rescued pets, while TransLink is is shuttling people from the complex to the emergency Reception Centre. Guildford Way is closed eastbound between Pacific and Johnson.
There’s no word yet of any injuries. But the damage is immense.
“Based on initial assessment, it’s likely that the entire building will be displaced for several months,” said the city in a statement.
“At this time we do not have an update on when residents will be able to access their suites to retrieve personal items. More information will be available once Coquitlam Fire/Rescue releases the building to the restoration company, as they will be the ones who control access to the premises once it has been deemed safe for access.”
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