Multi-unit fire burns in downtown Vancouver high-rise

Fire crews say a fire has broken out in a high-rise residential building impacting multiple units on multiple levels in downtown Vancouver Monday afternoon.

Alberni Street is closed to traffic between Cardero Street and Nicola Street as crews tackle the fire 20 storeys above ground.

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services tells 1130 NewsRadio that the fire has been knocked down and contained to the units of origin, but they “still have crews up there.”

“We’re still in active firefighting efforts rights now. The units still have a bit of smoke and steam coming out of them,” said Fire Information Officer Capt. Matthew Trudeau.

Posts to social media show black smoke issuing from the area and debris falling onto the street below.

Trudeau says crews saw fire and material coming off the upper level when they first got on the scene.

“Obviously very serious situation, and we had a lot of debris coming off onto Nicola on arrival.”

He says the fallen debris ignited brush and a hedge at the bottom of the building, but crews were able to put that out quickly.

Trudeau says so far there are no reports of any injuries.

Drivers can take Robson Street or Georgia Street as a detour around the scene.

More to come.

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