Vancouver townhouse fire closes portion of Cambie Street for part of morning commute
Posted May 30, 2022 8:28 am.
Last Updated May 30, 2022 5:17 pm.
A fire at a townhouse complex in Vancouver’s Langara neighbourhood led to a major traffic closure throughout the morning commute along Cambie Street between 49 and 57 avenues.
The fire broke out in a single suite in the complex near Cambie Street and 49 Avenue Monday morning. Flames were visible from blocks away as the fire consumed a corner of the roof.
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services Asst. Chief Kane Morishita says everyone was able to escape the structure and there were no injuries. However, the damage appears to be extensive.
While the fire was burning closest to the northbound lanes of Cambie Street, crews were forced to place their hoses across the southbound lanes as well, therefore closing the vital stretch in both directions.
Read More: Commuters in Vancouver drive over hose, endanger crews fighting house fire
It’s the second time crews have had to close Cambie Street in recent days. On Friday, a fire broke out a home on 61 Avenue and Ash Street, after crews had to place hoses along Cambie.
Several drivers disregarded crews and drove across the hose lines, damaging one of them.
Morishita says there were no reports of any drivers doing the same thing on Monday morning. However, he is reminding everyone that driving over a hose is not only illegal, it can be very dangerous.
“Anytime that we have citizens thinking that it’s okay to prioritize their day over [the] life [and] safety of somebody [who] needs a public service…it’s important to understand we need to do our job, and without a water supply, we can’t do it.”
6:15 – #Vancouver – Structure fire – Cambie St Northbound just before the lights at 49th Ave. The right lane is blocked #1130Traffic @JACK969van @kissradiohits Pic courtesy of @CityofVancouver pic.twitter.com/VM94aZVZwu
— CityNews Vancouver Traffic (@CityNewsTraffic) May 30, 2022
As of 7:45 a.m., crews were able to get a handle on the fire, with traffic expected to resume in the area shortly after.
Transit detours were also in place along Cambie Street.
#RiderAlert 15 Cambie detour 6:45am. Regular route to Cambie and 49 Ave, then 49 Ave, Oak St, 57 Ave, Cambie resume regular route due to fire.
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) May 30, 2022
