WATCH ABOVE: Jill Bennett has the latest from New Westminster.
A fire that broke out in a New Westminster commercial building is now out, but has destroyed one business and damaged at least one other.
The fire broke out in the walls of the New Venture Coin Laundry laundromat in the 400 block of 8th Street around 6 p.m.
According to New Westminster Fire Chief Tim Armstrong, the fire quickly spread to the roof and other businesses in the growth.
The age of the building, the presence of tar and gravel, and several renovations of the building all contributed to its spread.
The fire escalated to a two-alarm fire and 15 firefighters from Burnaby were brought in to help battle the blaze.
While the laundromat was gutted, Armstrong said they were able to contain most of the fire to that unit. However, flames did spread to a pizza place in the complex, and its condition is not known.
An adjacent apartment was evacuated due to concerns that the fire could spread. Social services are on scene, and while the building is not threatened at this time, it’s unknown if people will be able to return to their homes this evening.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
New Westminster Police were asking people in the area to close their windows, especially if they live east of 8th Street. The following streets have been closed by police while crews deal with the situation:
- Ash Street between 4th Avenue and 5th Avenue
- 4th Avenue between 8th and 7th Street
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