One person dead, another hospitalized after fire in illegal Vancouver suite

One person was killed and another taken to hospital after a fire burned through an illegal housing suite in Vancouver.

According to Vancouver Fire Captain Jonathan Gormick, crews were called to the 2100 block of Kingsway around 9 pm yesterday, for reports of smoke and flames coming from the second floor of a commercial building.

Gormick said VPD had noticed the fire and attempted to enter the building after contacting fire crews, but were “driven back” by fire conditions.

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A man, believed to be between 30 and 40 years old, was found dead in the unit, while another man was taken to hospital.

“The fire occurred in an illegal suite which did not have sprinklers or smoke alarms, and investigators have determined smoking to be the cause of this fire,” said Gormick. “Our deepest condolences go out to the family of the deceased and to the community. This tragic loss is a reminder for everyone to ensure they have working smoke alarms.”

Gormick also noted that BC’s Fire Code requires one fire alarm per occupancy; “however, one on every floor, or one outside each room where someone sleeps is ideal.”