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Crews battle large fire in building in downtown New Westminster

Click to play video: 'Several businesses destroyed in early morning New Westminster fire'
Several businesses destroyed in early morning New Westminster fire
Several businesses have been destroyed in an early-morning fire at a commercial building in the heart of New Westminster. Andrea Macpherson has more on the efforts to keep the fire from spreading and what may have been the cause – May 24, 2021

Multiple fire crews were called out early Monday morning to battle a large blaze in downtown New Westminster.

The fire broke out in the back of the building housing the MagnetiQ Club Lounge, located at Columbia and Church Street around 3 a.m.

According to New Westminster fire crews on the scene, several businesses located below the lounge have also been destroyed.

Fire crews originally said the fire started in the rear of the nightclub but later clarified the statement to say they believe it started in the rear of the building and not necessarily the club.

Further updates are expected to be released following an investigation.

The fire also impacted the Expo Line for a few hours as trains were not stopping in the station. It has now re-opened.

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Fire crews battling a blaze at a nightclub that was under construction early Monday morning. Shane MacKichan

The City of New Westminster also turned off the power to the 400 and 500 blocks of Columbia Street and the 400 block of Carnarvon Street as a safety precaution.

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“When it went to third alarm, we called for mutual aid from Coquitlam fire and we also have Delta and Richmond fire covering our Queensborough area,” New Westminster fire chief Tim Armstrong told Global News.

Smoke can still be seen in the area and drivers are asked to avoid the surrounding streets as crews are expected to be on the scene for most of the day.

No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Click to play video: 'New Westminster’s popular Pier Park reopens'
New Westminster’s popular Pier Park reopens

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