The aftermath of a devastating fire has left Pinecrest Manor, a New Westminster apartment building, in ruins with only wreckage and debris remaining. Former residents recount the horror of losing everything in the blaze, as water had been shut off for maintenance on the day the fire struck. New West Fire and Rescue revealed that the building’s lack of sprinklers contributed to the severity of the damage.
Officials confirmed that there were no recent fire code violations in the building, and investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing with no suspicious leads so far. The approximately 100 displaced residents are grappling with the loss of their homes and possessions, trying to come to terms with the emotional and financial toll.
Ma Nerissa Pastiteo, a single mother of four, expressed the heartbreak of witnessing her belongings go up in flames, including her beloved cats. Despite the devastation, the community has rallied around the victims, providing emergency support services, accommodations in hotels, and essential donations.
The New West Neighbourhood House has received an overwhelming response in clothing donations and is now requesting monetary contributions to aid the victims in rebuilding their lives. A GoFundMe campaign has also garnered significant donations for those affected by the fire, offering a glimmer of hope amid the uncertainty.
While plans are in motion to allow 50 residents from a neighboring building to return after water and smoke damage, the future remains uncertain for many evacuees as they navigate the path to recovery.