Dozens displaced and 2 injured after fire in Port Coquitlam - Action News
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British Columbia

Dozens displaced and 2 injured after fire in Port Coquitlam

A number of residents have been displaced and two people, including a firefighter, were injured after a large fire at an apartment complex in downtown Port Coquitlam on Saturday night.

Officials say fire at 2245 Wilson Ave. started around 10 p.m. PT Saturday

Two firefighters, wearing brown uniforms, hold a hose and direct it at a fire in the background of the image. Their uniforms have bright yellow lettering that says 'Port Coquitlam'
Firefighters respond to a fire at an apartment complex in Port Coquitlam, B.C. on June 25, 2022. Two people were injured in the blaze. (Shane MacKichan)

A number of residents have been displaced and two people, including a firefighter, were injured after a large fire at an apartment complex in downtown Port Coquitlam on Saturday night.

City officials say the fire started around 10 p.m. PT at the building at 2245 Wilson Ave. Multiple fire crews responded throughout the night to the blaze.

One person was injured with burns, according to officials, and one firefighter had to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West told CBC News an estimated 80 people were displaced by the fire.

A firefighter stands on the end of a very long extended ladder and pours fire atop a building. Red lights and smoke are visible.
More than 80 people were displaced by the fire at Wilson Avenue. (Shane MacKichan)

"My heart goes out to those who have been impacted," West said. "We're going to make it our priority to ensure that we're providing those people as much support as possible during this incredibly challenging time."

Displaced residents were taken to the nearby Port Coquitlam Community Centre, where they are being given support.

Orange smoke and jets of water are seen atop a brown square building.
Dozens of firefighters attended the fire early Sunday morning, with roads around Wilson Avenue closed off. (Shane MacKichan)

'It's devastating'

Lynda-Ann Busenius says she was lucky to be out of town when the building went up in flames.

"I don't know what to think," she told CBC News. "You're worried like 'is it my stuff?' but stuff's just stuff. So does it matter?"

Busenius heard her unit was left unscathed but has no idea when she'll be able to access it.

"I should be OK but with smoke damage you never know," she said. "It's devastating."

Roads around Wilson Avenue were closed early Sunday morning due to the fire. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, with West saying fire investigators were at the scene.