ON Tuesday, firefighters were called at 2:39 p.m. to reports of smoke from a residential high-rise building in the 1100-block of Nelson Street in Vancouver’s West End. Crews arrived to heavy flames from the seventh floor unit, extending to the eighth floor. Firefighters set up a ladder truck master stream to knock down the flames, while other crews entered the building for fire attack and search operations.

Due to the fire progression, lack of sprinklers in the building and a number of persons requiring assistance in the seniors building, the fire was upgrade to a third alarm with 21 apparatus on scene. Numerous fire crews were needed to simultaneously attack the fire and also help the numerous persons with mobility restrictions inside to a safe area, highlighting the importance of two exits for all residential buildings, according to Vancouver Fire and Rescue spokesman Captain Matthew Trudeau.

After search operations were completed, firefighters returned to multiple units to help gather pets and personal belongings for residents who were displaced.

Five people received smoke inhalation injuries, two of whom were transported to hospital. Multiple buses were on scene to provide shelter and Emergency Support Services was on scene for the 42 residents who were displaced.

Fire investigators are currently investigating the cause and origin of the fire.