One woman died in a fire early Saturday that started in her apartment.
And now, some of the residents of the Howie Avenue building have been allowed to return home, although it could be months before the building can be fully occupied.
The cause of the blaze, which started shortly after 4 a.m. Nov. 23 in a second-floor suite, remains under investigation and the victim's name has not been released.
Monday, as many as 42 people were given the go-ahead to return home during a well-attended meeting held at Centennial Pavilion by the property management company, Pacific Cove Properties, and Coquitlam emergency services personnel.
Dozens of people filed into the building to learn the fate of their homes. Many were anxious and a few said they were angry but one woman said she had insurance and wasn't worried. Instead, Jen, who wouldn't give her last name, expressed concern for an elderly man who lived below the second-floor suite that burned and another man who lived immediately above because their units were badly damaged.
"The guy below has to totally restart," she said while expressing hope that the community would come together and raise funds for the fire victims.
WEST SIDE STILL SHUT
In all, 24 units on the west side near where the blaze originated at 1200 Howie Ave. will need to find other accommodations.
A spokesperson for Pacific Cove said she's waiting to hear from the restoration company about what work will have to be done to make the suites safe and livable. Lee Rennison said her company is meeting with affected residents individually to come up with a housing plan.
According to Coquitlam Fire Chief Wade Pierlot, the building was constructed in three portions and those living in the centre and eastern sections were the only residents able to return home Monday night. Some residents were unhappy with the news, Pierlot said.
"They are at the end of their patience," he said. "I have seen this before. It is the most traumatic event most people will ever be exposed to."
The residents displaced by the blaze have been offered hotel rooms but those accommodations end today (Wednesday). After that, people will need to find their own places to stay until the building is repaired.
On Monday afternoon, the building was cordoned off with police tape and security was tight while Onside Restoration workers and fire rescue officials toured the site.
- with files from Diane Strandberg
