Fire in Downtown Eastside shuts Hastings Street in both directions

A fire broke out in the Downtown Eastside Tuesday afternoon in the building that used to house the Street Church.

Firefighters got reports of smoke coming from the roof of 175 East Hastings, and rushed to the scene. Matthew Trudeau, captain of public information with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, said firefighters quickly got ladders set up and tackled the blaze.

Daily Hive Vancouver

“We’ve got the visible flames knocked down and the smoke is dissipating. We’re hopeful it hasn’t extended into adjacent buildings,” Trudeau said.

There haven’t been any reports of injuries, although firefighters haven’t had a chance to search the building thoroughly.

East Hastings Street is closed in both directions between Main and Columbia Streets, and firefighters have asked drivers and pedestrians to avoid the scene.

“We’re gonna be here for the next hour or so, just making sure this whole area is out.”

E Hastings Street shut down in both directions between main and Columbia for a structure fire. Avoid the area.

— Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (@VanFireRescue) October 25, 2022

The two-story building was boarded up and condemned after the church was deliberately lit on fire in July.

yet another fire in the #dtes of #vancouver. hope everyone is safe. pic.twitter.com/ACQ5QjB67S

— Tom Alexander (@keefer1707) October 25, 2022

This is one of several fires to break out in the Downtown Eastside this year. In the spring, a deadly fire ripped through the Winters Hotel, killing two people.

In August, a three-alarm fire broke out nearby at Powell Street and Princess Avenue.