The residents of a 10-storey highrise in West Vancouver have been evacuated from the building, and BC Hydro is working to restore power following an electrical fire this morning.
West Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services was called to the 2100 block of Bellevue Avenue around 10:45 a.m. Thursday (July 29) after large flumes of smoke set off the fire alarm at the 27-unit Vandemar West building, at 2167 Bellevue Ave.
When fire crews arrived they found extensive smoke in the building’s storage unit before determining the fire was in the electrical room.
Residents had to vacate the building and BC Hydro was called in, according to duty Chief Garrith Michael.
Fire crews cordoned off the area and the public was told to avoid Bellevue Avenue between 21st and 22nd streets.
“BC Hydro arrived very quickly and were able to shut down power to the building. Once power was shut off in the building, we were able to go down with more of an aggressive attack and attack the fire,” said Michael. “The fire has just recently been struck.”
Fire crews are now working to ventilate the lower level of the building and an investigation is underway to what may have caused the fire.
“If it’s in the electrical room, it might be an issue with the equipment,” said Michael.
The building, as well as an adjacent highrise, are currently without power.
BC Hydro is on scene working to restore electricity and residents are still being asked to stay outside, added Michael.
“We have a shaded shelter and we have water on scene, but they are displaced currently. There is no power in the building,” he said.
