Early morning fire in Richmond leaves several people homeless

More than 20 Richmond residents are out of their homes today after an early morning fire in their apartment building.

Flames broke out in the complex on Bennett Road between No.3 and St Albans Roads at around 2 a.m.

The building manager says the fire started in the unit of a tenant who was in the process of being evicted due to numerous complaints.

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Two units in the wood-frame apartment are totally destroyed, but luckily no one was injured.

“People helping each other mobilize and get to safety was truly heartwarming,” says Corporal Dennis Hwang. “Thankfully no injuries or fatalities were reported. We are working with Richmond Fire Rescue to determine the cause of the fire. Although we are in the preliminary stages of our investigation, this fire is being treated as suspicious. We will be combing the area for evidence and we’d appreciate hearing from anyone who might have any information on this fire to contact us.”

It’s unclear when the residents will be allowed back home.

If you have any information on this crime, contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212. To leave a tip on this crime, please email Richmond_Tips@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).