Two injured, residents displaced after fire tears through Port Coquitlam apartment building

An early morning apartment fire in Port Coquitlam displaced residents, sent two people to hospital, and caused significant damage to a 10-unit building on Atkins Avenue, but quick action by city workers and firefighters helped prevent the blaze from spreading farther.

Crews with Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services were called to the three-storey apartment building at 2209 Atkins Ave. at approximately 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, according to Port Coquitlam Fire Chief Blake Clarkson.

“The fire operations went extremely well,” Clarkson said. “Overall, it was a quick knockdown, especially considering it was in the attic space.”

Clarkson said the fire started in a third-floor unit on the west side of the non-sprinklered building and had already broken through a window and spread into the attic space by the time crews arrived.

The fire penetrated parts of the roof, but firefighters managed to contain it in roughly 60 minutes, Clarkson said.

About 15 firefighters and four apparatus responded to the scene. While one crew attacked the fire from outside before advancing into the building, another searched the structure to ensure all occupants had evacuated safely.

Two people were transported to hospital with smoke inhalation injuries, while one also suffered minor burns, according to Clarkson. No fatalities were reported.

Residents of the 10-unit apartment building have been displaced, with extensive damage reported to one suite, along with smoke, water and attic damage throughout portions of the building.

Clarkson said it was still too early to determine when residents might be able to return home, though some occupants may eventually be allowed to reoccupy unaffected units depending on the extent of the attic and roof damage.

Emergency Support Services volunteers established support operations at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Centre to help displaced residents secure temporary accommodations and essential supports for the coming weeks.

Clarkson credited quick-thinking City of Port Coquitlam public works staff with helping limit the severity of the incident.

Municipal workers were in the area when they spotted smoke coming from the building, called 911, and helped evacuate occupants before firefighters arrived.

“That made things much easier when we arrived on the scene,” Clarkson said. “The local fire alarm system was not monitored, so their early notification was really important.”

In a statement posted to social media later in the day, Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West thanked emergency crews, city workers, and volunteers for their response.

“A fire like this is devastating for residents, but the actions taken today helped protect lives, pets and personal belongings,” West said. “Our thoughts are with everyone impacted, and the city will continue supporting affected residents throughout the recovery process.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though Clarkson said it currently appears to have been accidental and not suspicious.

Road closures affecting Mary Hill Road and Atkins Avenue were lifted shortly after 2 p.m., though crews remained on scene through the afternoon conducting overhaul operations, assisting investigators, and helping residents retrieve valuables from their units where safe to do so.