One man killed after Vancouver apartment fire

Earlier information provided from Vancouver Fire said the man had died in his suite. This article has been updated. 

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — A man has died after he tried to escape a fire inside an apartment in Vancouver on Friday.

Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services were called to the building on Hornby Street between Drake and Pacific around noon. A large cloud of smoke could be seen for several blocks around the area.

Acting Asst. Chief Richard Kraven says the heat and flames likely forced the man to go to the balcony. He then jumped off and landed on the ground several metres below.

First responders tried to save him through CPR, but he was pronounced dead on scene.

It’s unclear what caused the fire.

The apartment suite appears to be heavily damaged, and the building had to be evacuated. Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services says it doesn’t appear any neighbouring suites were damaged.

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Traffic was heavily impacted in the area for hours throughout the afternoon.