QUICK SUMMARY
A second-alarm fire at a seniors’ centre in North Vancouver resulted in multiple residents being rescued from their balconies, but no serious injuries were reported. The District of North Vancouver Fire Chief stated extensive damage occurred, particularly in an unoccupied section of the building, and a reception centre was established for evacuated residents.
A second-alarm fire erupted Saturday morning at the Silverlynn Apartment complex in North Vancouver, leading to multiple rescues of residents trapped on their balconies. Fire Chief Mike Danks confirmed that crews successfully evacuated ten individuals before an explosion occurred, prompting firefighters to retreat. Mayor Mike Little highlighted the extensive damage caused by fire, smoke, and water, indicating that the facility would be out of service for a considerable time, which poses challenges for senior housing in the community. A reception centre was established nearby for evacuated residents, as first responders continued to manage the situation. The North Vancouver RCMP reported that crews remained on-site, utilizing drones to assist in extinguishing spot fires. Smoke plumes from the fire were visible across Metro Vancouver, alarming residents in the area. Witnesses reported seeing significant smoke drifting into downtown Vancouver, indicating the scale of the fire. This incident marks the second fire at the complex in three years, raising concerns about the safety of the facility.