Downtown Port Coquitlam suffered another major blow when fire crews responded to a four-alarm blaze this morning (Monday).
Mayor Greg Moore told The Tri-City News that Martha's Bakery and Cafe is destroyed as well as a vacant office unit next door. Me 'n Eds appears to be safe, he said.
In a Twitter message, PoCo city staff asked commuters to steer clear of the downtown area as McAllister Avenue from Mary Hill Road to Shaughnessy Street are closed. Mary Hill Road from Wilson to Kingsway avenues is also shut while smoke-eaters contain the flare-up that started at around 4 a.m.
Coquitlam Fire and Rescue was called to assist with the Thanksgiving Day fire. No injuries were reported.
In July 2015, the PoCo fire department responded to a four-alarm blaze along Shaughnessy Street, which originated from Rami's Cut barber shop and gutted four other nearby units. An electric towel warmer was to blame.
Today's major fire comes as the city of Port Coquitlam launches its campaign to revitalize the downtown core.
More to come....
jwarren@tricitynews.com
