Apartment fire shuts down street in New Westminster
Posted July 10, 2026 5:10 pm.
Last Updated July 12, 2026 10:43 am.
Fire crews were called out to 905 4th Avenue in New Westminster around 1:30 p.m. Friday afternoon, the City of New Westminster shared on Facebook.
Pinecrest Manor, an apartment building, continues to have hot spots on Saturday morning, and crews from New West Fire are still on scene.
New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone posted on Facebook Friday that a “significant structural fire in the Brow of the Hill” was currently closing Fourth Avenue between Eighth and Tenth Streets.
“Fire crews successfully performed a couple of balcony rescues and are now fully engaged in trying to contain the spread through the structure,” read the post from Johnstone.
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) was on scene to provide services.
“Paramedics provided emergency medical care to four patients. Three patients were transported to hospital,” said BCEHS.
“New Westminster Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) crews responded to a first-alarm apartment fire in the 900 block of 4th Avenue. On arrival, crews reported multiple units on fire with residents on balconies. Several residents were rescued using ground ladders while crews did an interior attack and assist residents to evacuate,” said Chief Erin Williams of NWFRS.
“The fire was upgraded to a third alarm with mutual aid from Burnaby Fire and a call-out of off-duty NWFRS crews. There are currently eight apparatus on scene, including two aerial trucks. Two firefighters and one resident have been transported to hospital by BCEHS.”
An approximate 150 residents displaced by the fire have been directed to Century House for the time being for housing and other needs.
City Coun. Paul Minhas, also owner of Begbie’s Pub, has offered free meals for those affected by the fire, according to a social media post on Facebook.
“If you were affected by the fire, please come to Begbie’s Pub. Dinner is on us,” read the post.
According to NWFRS, as of Saturday at 2:30 a.m., the main fire has been contained, and crews continue to extinguish hotspots using “large volumes of water.”
An excavator has been brought to the site to help crews safely access difficult-to-reach areas, and firefighters are expected to remain on scene throughout the day.
The neighbouring apartment building has been cleared due to smoke.
Pinecrest Manor contains 42 units. The neighbouring apartment building has approximately 20-30.
“Emergency Support Services volunteers have worked tirelessly to ensure residents have access to the essentials they need during an incredibly stressful time,” said Cory Hansen, Manager of Emergency Management.
“As residents begin planning their next steps, our focus remains on connecting them with resources and supports while working alongside our community partners.”
A donation centre has been established at the Lord Kelvin Elementary gymnasium, located at 1010 Hamilton Street, to collect aid for those affected by the loss.
It will be open Sunday, July 12, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., with the expectation of staying open for one week. For the next week, they will be accepting donations from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
