At least 2 injured following three-alarm fire at residential building in city’s west end

Two people have been injured and three others were assessed at the scene following a three alarm fire that broke out in a residential building at the 1100 block of Nelson St. in the city’s west end.

Firefighters arrived on scene at approximately 2:40 p.m. to find heavy fire coming out of a single unit. The fire was quickly encroaching on nearby units.

Firefighters initiated a fast attack with some members setting up a ladder truck while others attacked from the inside. At it’s peak, 15 apparatuses were in operation with approximately 45 crew members.

Two people were immediately transported to hospital for smoke inhalation while three others were assessed on scene. A number of other residents were assessed for implications of existing medical conditions.

“The building is lower income, there were a number of people who are elderly inside. A number of people had existing medical conditions that were only exacerbated by the smoke,” Matthew Trudeau, Public Information Officer with Vancouver Fire Services, told 1130 NewsRadio.

He said many people also had to be assisted out of the building due to mobility issues or vision impairment.

“Thankfully there are two stairs in this building that we could rely upon one for fire attack and one for evacuation,” Trudeau said.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The damage to units are currently being assessed to see who can be allowed back inside.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story stated that five people were injured in the fire and many others were assessed for injuries. In fact, two people were taken to hospital while three people were assessed at the scene.