TransLink driver extinguishes storefront fire in Downtown Eastside

A Vancouver bus driver has been honoured for putting out a fire last week in the Downtown Eastside.

According to Les Amis du Fromage, a cheese shop on East Hastings Street, TransLink Bus Operator Brian Donovan saw a blaze that was set from the street around midnight on July 23. In a video posted by the shop, Donovan can be seen using a fire extinguisher to put out the fire.

A post to social media by TransLink Tuesday shows Donovan receiving a Vancouver Fire Rescue services’ commendation.

“He received a Fire Chief Commendation from @vanfirerescue and a certificate of recognition from Coast Mountain Bus Company,” the post said.

Chief Karen Fry with VFRS presented Donovan with the commendation Tuesday afternoon.

“It is really something small, but it means a lot to us,” she said. “Your brave efforts prevented significant damage and property loss.”