Crews battle structure fire on Annacis Island

Fire crews are still putting out hot spots at a warehouse fire on Annacis Island.

The massive blaze broke out Monday afternoon and thick black smoke could be seen pouring from a warehouse on the east side of the island along the Fraser River in Richmond.

Flames were first spotted shooting through the roof of the Ideal Welders complex near Derwent Way.

“Kind of depressing when you show up and you expect to go to work, and you show up and it’s burning,” said Chris Mitchell, an employee.

More than 40 firefighters were called to battle the fire.

There is no word yet on how the fire started of if there were any injuries.

Witnesses say the building was under renovation and there were a pile of tires on the roof.

Workers do not know when they will be allowed to return.

“This sucks. I don’t know what I’m going to be doing,” said Mitchell.

– With files from Jon Azpiri