Lighter likely started Sunday fire at Gastown apartment building
Posted April 28, 2019 3:22 pm.
Last Updated April 28, 2019 3:57 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — No one was hurt, but an apartment and three businesses have suffered some major damage after a fire Sunday morning near Abbott and Water Street in Gastown.
A discarded cigarette lighter seems to have been what started it.
Fire crews were called to the unit near Abbott and Water Street, when smoke was reported by neighbours. Dave Rosenlund, Assistant Chief with Vancouver Fire and Rescue says it took time to knock out the flames.
“Crews got there, the sprinkler system had been activated from the building, and combustibles from the suite were on fire at the time when crews entered the suite,” he says.
There’s some structural damage to the apartment, as well as water damage to three businesses located below the suite.
Rosenlund says it’s a reminder to be cautious if you smoke indoors.
“When smoking in your room, just be careful of how you dispose of your matches or turn your lighter on and off,” he says.
