BURNABY (NEWS1130) – People were hanging out the windows — screaming to be saved.
Crews had a tough time fighting a three-alarm fire at a Burnaby apartment building this morning because so many people needed to be rescued.
The building is a complete write-off.
Several people and pets suffered smoke inhalation.
It looks like the fire started in the basement of the building on Smith Avenue near Canada Way.
Assistant Fire Chief Ken Moore says flames were shooting out all sides by the time crews got there.
“We did a rescue on all the floors, tried to get in as many suites as possible. At this point there were some people who were brought down ladders and some animals.”
There were 35 units in the complex.
People have lost everything and will also need to look for a new home.
One person died in a fire four years ago in the same building.
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The police and fire department did a great job. The fire started at midnight. I live across the street from this building. Its sad that so many people lost their homes and pets. But on the other hand, there were to many pets in the building. Not only that the owners of the building left the scene and left their truck right where the firemen needed to get to to kill the fire. The building wasn’t up to code due to the fact of the age of the building. When the building was built 50 years ago they didn’t need fire sprinklers. As of today, at 7:45 am the rest of the building started smoking because of the hot spots. So the fire department showed up again to put the rest of the fires out. So many people that I spoke with didn’t have insurance. For $20 a month you could have insurance and you would have your stuff back.
Dear pita24, you say there are “too many pets” in the building but that is just your opinion. The reason why you might think there were “too many pets” is due to the fact that many buildings don’t allow pets and so people who love animals all end up in the same building. Those of us that lived in the building actually loved animals and there were definately NOT too many pets. You then mention “the owners of the building left the scene and left their truck right where the firemen needed to get“ and I think you are specifically talking about me since my truck was the only one there and we did eventually leave the scene. I can`t believe you would make such a stupid and rude comment when obviously my keys were in the fire and our apartment was in the midst of burning to the ground, we had just escaped with our lives and were in total shock. It makes me realize that you just watched us and did nothing to help, believe me, we would have LOVED it if a neighbour welcomed us into their nearby apartment since we were shivering cold. You then go on to comment on how people should have insurance. You are one cold person and I am schoked you took the time to patronize the victims of this terrible accident. I hope you enjoyed the show from your warm apartment.
The building had 34 suites and the fire fighters did a wonderful job saving the peoples lives and their pets. They worked from 12pm and are still working and its 5pm Sunday. Besides the fire department I’d like to thank B.C. Hdyro and R.C.M.P
On one news story it said the building wasn’t up to code. Where was the city of Burnaby on this, they should have been enforcing the building being brought up to code. To me the city of Burnaby is partially at fault for this occuring.
Code or not, probably a wood frame building. We can thank the lumber lobby for pushing for even larger and higher buildings, against the warnings of fire departments.
I like how you delete the comments that point out the errors in your reporting…!!! Shame on you.
Structures need to catch on fire in the middle of the day in Burnaby and other GVRD municipalities so the fire fighters are not in bed sound asleep. This causes substantial delays in response times to scenarios like this where 2-3 minutes could make a difference.
I thought it was a great idea about 10 years ago where Surrey had some of their trucks AWAKE throughout the night doing other odd jobs and ready to respond immediately.
you are my hero steve!!! bcas for life!!!
What an idiot!!!
Hey Steve, failed the FD physical again eh? Oh well you still probably have your day job with BCAS.
well I thought about that as a career years ago, instead I joined the other Emergency Service that actually works.
oh did i mention my brother is with Burnaby Fire, he used to be with VPD and when he quite everyone thought he was crazy however his response ” why would you think I am crazy, I traded in my pistol for a pillow !!!
YEP ! They should stay up instead of sleeping,but then dont they work 3 or 4 days straight so I guess they take turns sleeping as no Human can go without sleep…..unless drugged up as homeless cyclists around my home do cranked on speed……so they are ‘AWAKE’ cyclists !
I dont know how you can have the whole fire department staying awake and all up for 96 hours doing errands..I guess you obviously did it…
You know if a truck is “awake” at night as you say running around town,it could be further away from where it needs to be at the time of a emergency or out of fuel from driving around or having a breakdown from extra wear and tear from driving or idling non stop ! Also wasting taxpayer dollars idling/driving around..
It doesnt matter if the truck is idling in the driveway with people on board waiting to go,you cannot save every person or building…
Maybe if YOU volunteer you could have woken the sleeping firefighters up or kept them up for 96 hours straight and got there before the fire started.(I am sure they would be enthused/ecstatic that you can keep them up)..As you are so smart and alert ,and everything you think of works in reality ! No ?
i lived there the did a great job
What an ignorant comment, Steve, and a total insult to the men and women who risk their lives each and every time they are called upon. Not to mention the fact that they often face the consequences of serious health issues in later life. Firefighters do a fantastic job – a job that is, for the most part, thankless.
Oh that you should ever be in a position to have to have your property or life saved by our fire fighters. Too bad the fire department can’t put your address on a ‘do not respond’ list.
I live near the fire hall at Bennett and Nelson, and believe you me, day and night the fire trucks are responding to fire and medical emergency calls.
Perhaps you should visit a firehall and you might then gain a fresh perspective on your current ignorant viewpoint.
I agree, no way there were 138 suites in that building – more like 38. Next will come the revelations “I ha don Insurance…”
I agree, no way there are 138 suites there…Next will come the revelations “I had no Insurance…”
I agree 138 suites is an exaggeration/guess. Now will come the many who did not have Insurance.
I’m honestly not surprised by this. I looked at an apartment in this building a couple years ago and it was disgusting.
This building does not have anywhere near 138 suites. It is a 3 story wood framed walk-up. Also in the previous fire there, someone (child if I recall correctly) eventually died from their injuries.