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UPDATED: Coquitlam apartment fire leaves refugee families homeless

Coquitlam Fire and Rescue are on the scene of a structure fire at an apartment building on Cottonwood Avenue.

MORE PHOTOS ABOVE

 

Eighty-six people — including several refugee families — are without a home after fire tore through their Cottonwood Avenue apartment building in Coquitlam Thursday afternoon.

Crews were on scene at the 48-unit complex shortly before noon to battle a blaze that was initially concentrated on the top floor, toward the back of the building. But, within two hours, the flames had spread and it is now believed that all suites will likely not be habitable.

"It is really involved," said Coquitlam Fire Chief Wade Pierlot at around 12:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, firefighters were also busy with another structure fire on Wickham Drive and help from neighbouring municipalities, including Port Coquitlam and Burnaby, were called in through the department's mutual aid agreement.

However, the Cottonwood blaze tied up the most resources as crews fought to contain the flames, which were believed to have been ignited by a plumber, Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart told The Tri-City News on site.

He said there were several immigrants living in the building who would now need alternative accommodations.  "They came here for a better life," Stewart said. "Now, they don't have a home."

Emergency Social Services are coordinating hotel accommodations for the first 72 hours, after which agencies like the Red Cross are contacted to help arrange support.

In a press release, the city said all victims of the Cottonwood Avenue fire should report to a reception centre at the Dogwood Pavilion (1655 Winslow Ave.) at the corner of Winslow Avenue and Poirier Street. 

The city also warned neighbours to keep their windows and doors closed for the next few hours to avoid smoke issues, particularly for those with respiratory problems. 

An emergency information line has also been setup at 604-927-4357.

gmckenna@tricitynews.com

@gmckennaTC

-with files from Janis Warren

 

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Information Bulletin

City of Coquitlam

 

Donations For Displaced Cottonwood Avenue Residents

 

UPDATE – July 29, 2016 - 8:45 a.m.

 

Our sincere thanks to the members of our community who have been reaching out asking how they can help residents displaced by the fire at 550 Cottonwood Avenue.

 

The Coquitlam Foundation has an account set up for the purpose of assisting displaced persons in Coquitlam due to situations such as a major fires. Donations to support those displaced by the Cottonwood fire can be made at the following link: Cottonwood Fire Support

 

Donors are asked to click on the “Donate Now” button in the lower right section of the page select the “Community Fund” in the drop down box and reference “Cottonwood Fire” in the message section. Tax receipts will be issued. The Foundation will oversee disbursement to those impacted by the fire.

 

The City advises residents to be cautious when donating to any fundraising campaigns and to verify the organization and/or individual running the campaign.

 

We will continue to update as opportunities to volunteer or assist become available.

 

We will continue to post updates for residents, as available, here, as well as to Facebook and Twitter.