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'Huge fire raging': Vancouver apartment building evacuated due to destructive blaze

Several buildings are without power in the area and locals are advised to keep their windows closed due to smoke.
Elana Shepert
Elana Shepert
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A massive Vancouver fire has left thousands without power in the area. Photo via @nnnnnishimura and @MissTGray2019 and @MissTGray2019/Twitter

A massive blaze in a large Vancouver apartment building has left thousands of people without power and blocked traffic in the area. 

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) responded to a third-alarm structure fire in the 400 block of East 10th Avenue near Guelph Street just after 8:20 p.m. on Thursday, July 27.

Fire crews continue to battle the blaze and traffic has been closed off to the area. While the fire is currently contained to two suites on the top floor of the three-story building, the roof has partially collapsed, making it dangerous for firefighters to use the hallways, according to Deputy Chief of Operations Trevor Connelly.

"We have to be slow and safe," he told V.I.A.

Firefighters rescued three civilians and one dog. One firefighter suffered smoke inhalation but no other injuries have been reported. 

Fire crews shut the power down in the area due to safety concerns with the electrical wiring and it will remain off for several hours.

There are 2,199 people without power in the area, according to BC Hydro. Crews are currently on site and the power has been off since 8:33 p.m. 

The 80 people who live in the building will be displaced for an indeterminate period of time. 

Connelly advises people in the area to "shut your windows and not breathe in smoke." 

Have a look at the power outage map in Vancouver to find out what areas are currently in the dark.