Emergency crews are currently fighting a fire in downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver Fire Rescue confirmed a two-alarm blaze in the 900 block of Thurlow Street approximately half an hour ago.
Second alarm 900 Blk Thurlow #vanworkingfire pic.twitter.com/PzBDJKPA54
— Vancouver Fire (@VanFireRescue) October 4, 2018
Since then, the incident was upgraded to a three-alarm fire, calling for a heavier presence of fire crews and equipment.
Crews continuing to attack fire 900blk Thurlow & searching building. Upgraded to third alarm #vanworkingfire
Thurlow closed south of Nelson. #vfrs pic.twitter.com/SQkyttjtlP— Vancouver Fire (@VanFireRescue) October 4, 2018
Thurlow is currently closed south of Nelson.
There has been no mention regarding the cause of the fire.
View from my office window. Lots of fire trucks and police…2 blocks are blocked off. Smoke coming off one of the buildings…southbound Thurlow is blocked from Robson. @NEWS1130 @NEWS1130Traffic pic.twitter.com/IowsSLdO8K
— Irene Yung (@reenyung) October 4, 2018
That’s not good #fire downtown @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/9L201hhcKm
— darryl (@deeerow) October 4, 2018
#Fire in downtown #vancouver pic.twitter.com/e7R6HVgYdt
— Matthew Leigh (@FrontlineFire) October 4, 2018
A number of units are uninhabitable due to damage; Emergency social services are on the scene.
Thurlow and Nelson still remains closed.
Crews at the third alarm 900blk Thurlow are extinguishing remaining fire that has extended through wall and ceiling voids. Several suits have been left uninhabitable & Emergency Social Services is on scene. #vanworkingfire #vfrs Thurlow & Nelson remain closed. pic.twitter.com/vStT8i1hPl
— Vancouver Fire (@VanFireRescue) October 4, 2018
Update: Unfortunately, the Thurlow fire has been upgraded to a fourth alarm.
According to Vancouver Fire Rescue, “one injured firefighter is being treated by [emergency services] while crews continue to chase and attack this stubborn fire under challenging conditions.”
More to come as this story develops.