Clean up begins after fire destroys community grocer in Richmond

Clean up is underway after a fire destroyed the Super Grocer and Pharmacy in Richmond’s Steveston neighbourhood on Friday.

The aftermath of the fire has had a devastating impact on the community, which locals say was a staple in the community for many seniors who live close by.

“Everyone is going to miss it. It’s hard to see the devastation,” one resident said.

“I feel so sad,” another said.

The family owned grocery store has stood since 1979 and what’s left of it will soon be reduced to rubble.

Trevor Northrup, assistant deputy fire chief with Richmond Fire Rescue, says the fire on Friday was emitting brown smoke, which is quite concerning.

“It’s quite a dangerous scene right now,” he said.

“Brown smoke is an indication that it might be unburnt wood. It’s in the ceiling and in the walls, and that gives us the collapse hazard concern.”

Only remnants of the Super Grocer remain on site in Richmond, and the smell of smoke is still lingering the air.

“The community is quite concerned with the smell, thinking there is dust or particulate in the air, but there isn’t at this time,” he said.

“It’s that off-gassing smell that we are working to get obtained as quickly as possible.”

City officials say plans to demolish what’s left of the store will be made this week.

Northrup says neighbouring businesses were also evacuated Friday night.

Steveston Seafood House, which has been operating for more than 45 years, is located behind Super Grocer and had to temporarily close its doors due to water damage from the neighbouring fire.

“The response team did an amazing job of protecting our building. In doing so, copious amounts of water unfortunately came in, and debris and smoke, so we are dealing with that right now,” owner Shane Dagan said. “But the building is still standing.”

Dagan says the fire destroyed his restaurant’s freezer and in the 45 years that his business has been operating, nothing like this has ever happened before.

“It’s a beautiful neighbourhood grocery store,” Dagan said, of Super Grocer. “My first job was next door, I swept the parking lot when I was 14-years-old.”

Northrup says due to the challenging conditions on scene, gaining access and determining the location of the fire was not an easy feat.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, he adds.