Authorities are currently investigating the cause of a significant fire and possible explosion at a strip mall on the border of Coquitlam and Burnaby, British Columbia. The incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, has left numerous local businesses facing an uncertain future, with some fearing they may never reopen.
Fire crews responded to the blaze before 6:30 a.m. on North Road near Rochester Street. Upon arrival, they encountered thick black smoke and evidence of an explosion, according to Coquitlam Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Sandro Bonifazi. Firefighters took swift action to control and suppress the fire.
The explosion blew out the storefront window of a restaurant, scattering glass across the parking lot. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Business owners visited the site Sunday to assess the damage and speak with police. Many expressed concern over the effects of the fire, with some unsure whether their businesses will be able to resume operations. Sean Han, who runs The Better Immigration, described the situation as terrible, while Realtor Emily Oh worried about the potential water damage to computers and important documents in her office.
The exact cause of the fire remains a mystery, and authorities are urging anyone with information or video footage to contact the Coquitlam RCMP.
