East Vancouver fire damages multiple businesses, displaces 7 East Hastings Street closed

A significant fire in East Vancouver led to the closure of East Hastings Street on Wednesday morning, displacing seven residents from a nearby mixed-use building. Vancouver Fire Rescue Services escalated their response to a third alarm shortly after 4 a. m. as the fire spread from a business to neighboring establishments, including The Indian Chefs Kitchen and Bar and Windsor Meats. Thick smoke billowed across the city, prompting VFRS to receive multiple calls from concerned residents.

Crews managed to extinguish the fire by around 9 a. m. , but smoke continued to affect air quality. Community members voiced concerns over the damage to local businesses, with one co-owner noting significant structural damage to her store. VFRS advised the public to stay clear of the area while firefighters worked to address hot spots and assess the situation.

Investigators are on-site to determine the fire's origin and the extent of the damage to affected businesses.