‘Tough to see’: Family-run barber shop in Port Moody destroyed in early morning fire
A popular family-run barber shop was gutted by an early-morning fire on Wednesday.
Emergency crews responded to reports of a structure fire at the strip mall located on the 2900 block of St. Johns Street at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 3.
When they arrived crews found Manny’s Barber Shop engulfed in flames.
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“Firefighters successfully knocked down the fire which was contained to two businesses,” said Const. Sam Zacharias, Port Moody Police’s media officer. “There were no injuries reported and the scene remains secured as both fire and police investigators work to determine a cause.”
Firefighters took approximately two hours to fully extinguish the fire using exterior attacks, according to Port Moody Fire Rescue Service.
A total of 22 firefighters responded to the blaze, crewing five trucks. Nine members were on duty when the call came in and 13 had to be called in from home.
Fire Chief Darcy O’Riordan noted the fire was contained to the one shop, which caused minor damage to adjacent units.
He said the fire is still under investigation, adding that BC Hydro and Fortis Gas were on scene to isolate utilities.
Glen Braid, owner of Diamonds and Design Jewelry, located two shops down from the barber, said his store suffered some smoke damage.
He said the shop owners on the strip all know each other well, adding it was “tough to see” one of his neighbours lose their business.
“We’re really tight here. Manny is a staple. He’s probably one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet in your life and he’s got both his sons working for him,” Braid said. “They are completely devastated.”
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