A devastating fire broke out on Friday night, spreading to a vacant building and causing damage to several neighboring units in the Edge complex.
Maple Ridge’s downtown core faced a major fire incident, with fire crews quickly responding to the scene.
According to sources, the fire started around 11:40 p.m. near Dewdney Trunk Road, specifically along Brown Avenue between Edge and 22nd streets.
While the immediate danger has passed, there remains a significant amount of work to be done.
Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue Chief Michael Van Dop addressed the situation on Saturday afternoon, stating that his team had spent over 12 hours battling the massive fire in the 22500-block of Brown Avenue.
“We received a report of an apartment structure fire last night at midnight,” explained Van Dop. “Upon arrival, our crews encountered a fully engulfed, four-storey wood frame building that was completely burned down.”
Unfortunately, the fire not only affected the Edge on Edge 3 condo complex but also caused complete destruction to the building to the east, while the one to the west suffered extensive fire damage and is now uninhabitable, as reported by the Maple Ridge chief.
Approximately 50 firefighters and 12 apparatuses, including resources from Mission and Pitt Meadows, were involved in battling the blaze, as Van Dop explained.
By 3 p.m. on June 10, the fire had finally been fully extinguished.
“We are currently demobilizing the scene. The occupied apartments will be handed over to insurance and restoration companies to commence their work in minimizing water damage. The building will be secured with fencing, marking the end of our suppression efforts. However, there is investigative work that needs to be conducted,” Van Dop added.
Van Dop estimated that the extensive fire damage could keep residents out of Edge on Edge 2 for more than a year.
In the meantime, there is a significant cleanup effort underway. Van Dop urged locals to take safety precautions if they have debris on their property, advising them to wear gloves, ensure the debris is cool to the touch, and dispose of it properly through their garbage.
Regarding the cause of the fire, Van Dop stated that it is too early to determine. Since the building of origin was completely destroyed, the investigation will rely heavily on video evidence and interviews.
The fire at the intersection of Brown Avenue and Edge Street has left a condo complex in ruins, displacing hundreds of Maple Ridge residents.
The fire, which started around midnight on Friday and continued into the early hours of Saturday, June 10, engulfed the newly developed area in the 22500-block of Brown Avenue and the residential building located behind it at 22562 121st Ave.
Ridge Meadows RCMP reported that the apartment complex was fully evacuated, with up to three other residential buildings also affected by the fire.
“There is some heat damage to buildings east and north of the fire,” said the RCMP watch commander.
Several streets have been closed off as firefighters work to fully extinguish the remaining flames. The City of Maple Ridge has announced that the fire is now under control.
Brown Avenue is currently closed between Edge Street and 227th Street, 121st Avenue is closed between Edge Street and 227th Street, and Edge Street is closed between 121st and Brown Avenue.
Pitt Meadows Fire and Rescue Deputy Fire Chief Tracy Warren confirmed that Pitt Meadows provided assistance, with four firefighters and Chief Mike Larsson present at the scene.
“The fire is nearly extinguished, and we are currently containing hotspots,” Warren stated.
Despite the severity of the blaze, the Provincial Health Services Authority reported that only one individual required hospital transportation.
Individuals displaced by the fire are advised to report to the Greg Moore Youth Centre at 11925 Haney Pl., where emergency services and the Red Cross are available to provide assistance.
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