Residents displaced by Vancouver house fire trying to reconcile near total loss
Posted March 30, 2026 7:29 am.
Last Updated March 30, 2026 8:18 am.
Mount Pleasant residents are picking up the pieces after a major fire at a historic building last week left them homeless.
Vancouver Fire Rescue Service crews were called to 8th Avenue near Main Street in Vancouver Wednesday night, where a bedroom on the third floor of the building was burning.
Images from the scene show flames billowing out of one of the windows. The old house was evacuated safely, with at least six residents and occupants of a restaurant on the main floor unharmed.
But between the flames, smoke, and water damage, their homes and business were destroyed.
Aaron Farrell, one of the displaced residents, is still coming to grips with the loss.
“I wasn’t sure if what I was seeing was really happening,” said Farrell, remembering the night of the fire.
His roommate, Ruairi Cochrane, described the fear.
“It’s kind of something you don’t think is going to happen to you, regardless of how old the building is,” said Cochrane.
Farrell says he was in his bedroom when the blaze began.
“Thankfully, I had my phone on me when I was in my room, so just that, wallet, and keys, and out the door.”
VFRS has confirmed that the fire started in a bedroom on the third floor of the building – but the exact cause hasn’t been determined, although early indications are that it wasn’t suspicious.
Known as the DePencier House, the structure is thought to have been built in 1889 — just three years after the City of Vancouver was incorporated. It’s believed to be the oldest home in Vancouver south of False Creek.
Archival photos show the city growing around its Victorian architecture, which later survived being moved to make way for what is now Goh Ballet building.
While it’s not clear whether the structure is a total loss, the residents believe their possessions are. With the age of the building, they say they were denied tenant insurance before the fire.
“If there’s asbestos there, then it’s obviously all completely gone,” said Cochrane.
“With the water damage as well, if it’s maybe salvageable, then it’s unlikely. And with every day that passes, it’s just going to get worse and worse.”
Along with historical significance, the house was also a vibrant space for the community. Italian restaurant Osteria Otto had just opened its doors in December to rave reviews, but significant water damage has closed it indefinitely.
The restaurant’s management is now crowdfunding to support its staff as it determines next steps. Meanwhile, for the units above, supporters have started two fundraisers for the six displaced residents.
“The support and love from the local community have really helped to soften the blow of the loss that we’ve experienced,” said Cochrane.
“It’s helped a lot,” said Fennell.
“Just knowing that there’s a community there that will help people when things do go wrong and times get tough.”
