A fire inside an SRO in downtown Vancouver had East Hastings closed in both directions.
The Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) says that the fire broke out on the second floor around 2:20 p.m. at the Hazelwood Hotel SRO on East Hastings Street between Gore Avenue and Dunlevy Avenue.
“Sprinklers were activated, fire extended to the outside and the exterior and went up to the third and fourth floors,” said Assistant Chief Arnie Groenewegen.
He adds that there is heavy fire damage to the unit where the fire originated and considerable water damage to the other units.
The incident displaced 12 people, but no injuries were reported.
East Hastings Street was closed but has since reopened as investigators are now determining the cause of the fire.
Currently, a fire truck remains on the side of the road on East Hastings Street.
Drivers should avoid the area, says Ryan Lidemark in the 1130 NewsRadio Traffic Centre.
There are also delays on East Cordova Street.
Groenewegen says that the fire “appears accidental in nature.”
34 firefighters and eight trucks were dispatched to the scene.