Fire investigators are working to determine what caused a blaze at a Coquitlam apartment building that left dozens without a place to stay Monday night.
The fire broke out shortly before midnight Monday evening at a three-storey building at Foster and North Road. When crews arrived, they found the west side of the structure completely engulfed and began working to contain the flames.
"We did a fairly aggressive exterior attack" said Coquitlam Fire Chief Jim Ogloff. "We did some interior firefighting as well."
It is still too early to say what caused the blaze, but it appears to have started outside of the building, he added. Coquitlam had all of its available units assigned to the incident and Port Moody lent additional support.
Nobody was hurt in the incident but Ogloff said at least nine of the approximately 55 units suffered severe damage. Units located on the other side of the fire break mostly remained intact, he added, however it is too early to say when and who could return.
"It will take a little time," he said. "First and foremost, they have to make sure the building is safe for re-entry."
After the fire broke out, the building was evacuated. Coast Mountain Bus Company provided coaches to shelter people while the firefighters fought the flames and the city opened a reception centre at Poirier Community Centre.
Ogloff said he expected a contact number to be distributed shortly for people who live in the building.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
@gmckennaTC
