“Upon arrival, the entire third floor of this vacant structure was on fire,” he said, adding that there have been multiple fires reported in the empty building in the past 12 months.
“We have no firefighters inside, we’re doing an exterior attack at this time. Once the fire’s under control, if we can go inside at that time, we’ll do that to do a search. But at this time, we have not been inside the structure.”
Over 40 firefighters were involved in the effort to contain the blaze and have been able to prevent it from spreading to any neighbouring buildings, Stewart added.
On July 26, 2023, a fire tore through the 80-unit building, damaging it so extensively that all of the tenants were displaced. Fencing was put up around the perimeter and access points were boarded up, but in the months following the fire, VFRS said it received several calls for fires after “squatters” made their way inside.
In September of 2023, the acting assistant chief for VFRS described the building and the repeated fires as “a danger to the neighbourhood.”
Rob Vucci, who lives in the building next door, said the repeated fires have caused frustration and fear for people who live in the area.
“I’m potentially watching my home burn down and thinking about how entirely preventable this would be if the city had just done something to take care of the life and safety of people in this area,” he said, his voice shaking.
“This building should have been torn down a year ago.”
The City of Vancouver, in an email, said the building did not “meet the criteria to order it demolished in the interest of public safety.” The security and safety of the building, the city said, is “fully” the responsibility of its owner.
The Third Fire in a Year
The most recent blaze is the third fire at the apartment building in the last year. Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) confirmed that the building had been the site of two previous fires.
Squatting and Safety Concerns
The vacant building has been a source of concern for residents in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. After the initial fire in July 2023, squatters began to occupy the building, resulting in multiple reports of additional fires. VFRS had repeatedly evicted individuals from the building, but they continued to return.
City's Response
The City of Vancouver has maintained that the demolition of the building was not warranted based on public safety criteria. The city placed the responsibility for the building's security and safety on its owner.
Ongoing Concerns
The latest fire has reignited concerns about the safety of vacant and abandoned buildings in the city. Residents living near the building expressed their frustration and fear, highlighting the potential danger posed by the structure.
A Call for Action
The repeated fires have prompted calls for the city to take action to address the problem of vacant and abandoned buildings. Residents are demanding a more proactive approach to ensure the safety of neighbourhoods and prevent future incidents like the one that occurred on Tuesday.
A Tragic Reminder
The fire serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of neglecting vacant properties and the importance of addressing safety concerns in a timely manner. It also underscores the challenges faced by communities grappling with issues of homelessness, housing affordability, and the complexities of property ownership.
A Community's Resilience
Despite the challenges, the Mount Pleasant community has demonstrated resilience in the face of these recurring incidents. Local residents have come together to support each other and advocate for change.
A City in Transition
The fire also highlights the evolving landscape of Vancouver, a city experiencing rapid growth and change. As new developments emerge, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents. The city must work collaboratively with stakeholders to address the challenges of housing affordability, homelessness, and building safety, ensuring that all neighbourhoods are safe and livable.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
