Huge Vancouver fire sends smoke smell across city, closes major intersection
A major fire in East Vancouver has sent the smell of smoke across the city and closed a major intersection for the foreseeable future.
Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) responded to a three-alarm fire early this morning near the intersection of East Hastings Street and Nanaimo Street.
Photos posted by VFRS show multiple fire trucks pouring water into buildings in the 2200 block of East Hastings Street.
East Hastings Street is currently closed in both directions from Nanaimo Street to Lakewood Street.
Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Matthew Trudeau, captain of public information at VFRS, told Daily Hive that they got the call just after 4 a.m. with reports of a structure on fire.
“We are still actively fighting the fire,” said Trudeau. “We had it knocked down and the smoke built back up. Flames are still intermittent, which is to be expected.
“We have it contained, and crews are entering again. We haven’t had a rekindle.”
Trudeau added that several local businesses were damaged by the fire, including Windsor Meats, The Indian Chefs Kitchen & Bar, and Wohlford & Company, formerly Dayton Boots.
No injuries have been reported to occupants or firefighters. Seven individuals in a nearby building were evacuated out of precaution, though they are otherwise not impacted by the fire.
Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
People shared online that they could smell the smoke as far away as near Fairview, Olympic Village, and South Granville.
The City of Vancouver also posted a warning for residents to keep their doors and windows closed and avoid outdoor activities while the smoke is present.
.@VFRS continues to respond to a large structure fire near E Hastings & Nanaimo. While smoke is present, consider keeping doors & windows closed and avoiding outdoor activities. Expect traffic impacts – give crews room to work and take alt routes. Updates to follow.
— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) April 23, 2025
The City and VFRS also warned commuters to expect traffic impacts and asked people to give crews room to work by taking alternative routes.