A massive fire decimated several businesses on Main Street near Broadway and drivers are advised to avoid the area as crews continue to work into the evening.
Dan Stroup, assistant chief of Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, tells Vancouver Is Awesome in a phone interview that the fire is out now, but that firefighters will continue to work in the area for hours to come.
"From what we know now, no one was injured," Stroup says. "It looks like six businesses were damaged in addition to residential units."
Stroup notes that the residential units are located above the businesses, but the number of units affected is unknown.
While Broadway is open to traffic now, the northbound lane of Main Street will be closed for quite some time, adds Stroup.
Avoid the area of Main / Broadway / Kingsway - Major Structural fire. Roadways closed for several more hours pic.twitter.com/Mjxsebt1in
— VPD Traffic Section (@VPDTrafficUnit) October 22, 2020
#VanTraffic: The following roads are presently blocked due to an ongoing fire at Main and Broadway: Main from E. 6 to E. 12, and E. Broadway from Brunswick to Quebec. Traffic disruptions are expected to continue for a few hours and drivers are advised to avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/FLv2ECV8cx
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) October 22, 2020
In a Vancouver Police press conference this morning, Cst. Tania Visintin confirmed that one person was arrested for arson in connection to the blaze. However, the investigation is ongoing.
Local Businesses and Damage
A number of people have lamented the loss of businesses on Main Street that were damaged by the fire. For example, Frenchie's restaurant was ravaged by flames and smoke, and the exterior of the building is charred. However, it is unknown what the damage is like inside.
We are absolutely gutted to see this all go down today!! We pray everyone is safe and no one got hurt! Shout out to the...
Posted by Lucy's Eastside Diner on Thursday, October 22, 2020
Our @VanFireRescue @IAFF18 staff are working hard to control a Third Alarm fire at Main and Broadway. Please avoid this area. pic.twitter.com/WnNuS7LEy8
— Deputy Chief Tyler Moore (@DeputyTMoore) October 22, 2020
Fire crews working at Main and Broadway #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/NIbFyKgocO
— CityHallWatch (@CityHallWchVAN) October 22, 2020
#mountpleasant loses another iconic part of its neighborhood to flames. #vancouverfire #vancouver 😥 pic.twitter.com/ktt9F90lqW
— Marina LeClair (@MarinaLeClair) October 22, 2020
Someone also mentioned that their cat ran away due to the fire, and is asking the community to keep an eye out for their beloved pet.Fire at Main and Broadway at Frenchies. Let’s hope it does not affect the neighboring buildings. Artist are moving the art from their studios next door to avoid water damage #vancouver #fire pic.twitter.com/b51TYldmiA
— Robert Salvatella (@rsalvatella) October 22, 2020
Have a look at some photos and videos of the blaze from earlier today HERE.cat lost in today’s fire in #mountpleasant keep your eyes open please! #Vancouver #vancouverfire pic.twitter.com/xoU8sTUhDf
— shelby (@shlburrito) October 22, 2020
