Suspicious fire in Burnaby displaces several families, destroys cars, parking structure

BURNABY (NEWS 1130) – Several families are out of their homes and 10 cars are total write-offs after a series of car-ports went up in flames in Burnaby overnight Thursday into Friday.

The fire, which sent smoke and large flames shooting into the air near Metrotown is believed to be suspicious, Burnaby fire crews say.

Acting Assistant Fire Chief Dave Younger says firefighters were called to a parking structure in an alleyway in the area of Maywood Street and McKay Avenue for reports of a lone car fire, which quickly spread.

He says the parkade, behind two three-storey walkup buildings, was full of cars.

“The structure was heavily involved on arrival with multiple cars — I believe there are 10 cars that are severely damaged, badly burned up — and the structure now is all collapsed onto the ground,” Younger explains.

Very distressing sight from my balcony around 5am this morning…sounds of shouting woke me from the 40th floor. Smoke was billowing, fire raging. Firefighters arrived, heard popping sounds as fire was got under control. All blaze now out.still shaking. #burnabyfire @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/IOZZUBmhjN

— Will Kemp (@IamWillKemp) August 28, 2020

The location of the fire proved to be a challenge for crews battling the flames, with Younger saying they were set back for a short time due to powerlines right above the building, as well as nearby powerpoles and wires — all of which caught fire, too.

“The shape of the roof of the parking structure slopes heavily and it directed all the heat at the back of these two buildings, these three-storey walkups, so they’re heavily damaged as well,” he adds.

Second Alarm fire this morning in the Metrotown area. Great firefighting by @IAFF323 fire crews!!
Burnaby ESS on scene to assist displaced residents. @BurnabyRCMP @MayorofBurnaby @BurnabyNOW_News pic.twitter.com/5VuaJeAQ5p

— Burnaby Fire (@BurnabyFireDept) August 28, 2020

Despite the damage to those residential buildings, Younger says crews were able to keep the fire from burning inside the buildings.

“Quite an awesome save on their part,” he tells NEWS 1130.

People living in eight units have been displaced for the time being, according to Younger.

Fire believed to be suspicious

Younger says the cause of the fire is still under investigation, however, he says it is suspicious.

“Cars don’t normally just catch fire in the middle of the night with no one around,” he adds.

It doesn’t look like anyone was hurt in the fire. Younger believes those displaced by the fire will be back in their homes “in a few days.”