A fire that badly damaged a Glen Drive apartment complex and left close to 100 people homeless in Coquitlam on Monday is not considered suspicious.
Fire Chief Wade Pierlot said while the cause of the blaze is undetermined, the ignition point was located on a balcony next to a barbecue and some nearby recycling materials.
He said it is likely that the blaze started in the outside area and moved up the side of the building before entering an air space in the ceiling and spreading to other units.
"The barbecue tank supported it," he said. "Barbecue tanks are supposed to vent off [when heated] so they don't explode so it was supported by propane."
Pierlot warned condo residents to be mindful of their barbecues, particularly ones that are located on balconies close to household goods or other combustible materials.
The 72-unit building was separated by firewalls into three 24-unit sections, with the majority of the major damage concentrated on one end of the structure.
The fourth floor took the brunt of the fire damage but Pierlot said that the first, second and third floors sustained significant smoke and water damage.
With the investigation complete, the building has been turned over to the property manager. Pierlot said in the coming days, it is possible some residents may be allowed to enter certain parts of the building on escorted trips to their units to retrieve personal belongings.
While exact numbers are not available, Pierlot said that in most large fires, there are always a few residents without insurance.
"Usually it is the tenants that rent," he said, "but there are even a number of owners that don't have insurance."
TO HELP OUT
Residents looking to help people displaced by Monday's apartment fire on Glen Drive can now make donations at a local financial institution.
The Coast Capital Savings branch in Coquitlam has set up a victims fund in the name of "Coquitlam Fire Victims" and additional information can be found at www.coquitlamfirevictims.ca.
Meanwhile, Coquitlam Centre mall is partnering with Share Family and Community Services for a clothing drive this weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday, retailers, mall staff and the public are encouraged to contribute clothing, footwear, toiletries and other household items, which will be made available to victims of the fire.
Donations can be dropped off at the former Bluenotes location at Coquitlam Centre on the lower level beside Sport Chek between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on both days. Cash donations will also be accepted at the guest services centre on the lower level near the Hudson's Bay store until Monday.
CITY INFO
The city is encouraging residents to contact the property manager and their insurers for more information. News will continue to be posted on the city website at www.coquitlam.ca/news and an information line has been set up at 604-927-4357.
@GMcKennaTC
