Multiple business owners in Coquitlam, B.C., were left in shock as fire crews responded to a possible explosion that occurred at a strip mall on a Sunday morning. The plaza, located at 341 North Rd., was engulfed in thick black smoke when police and firefighters arrived around 6:30 a.m. Assistant Chief Sandro Bonifazi stated that glass was scattered throughout the parking lot, indicating the possibility of an explosion. The officers on the scene were assessing the situation to determine the cause of the incident.
One of the business owners affected by the incident, Emily Oh, who owns Emily Oh Realty, received a call from the building’s landlord while on her way to an appointment and church. She was instructed to come to the strip mall immediately. Oh expressed her gratitude that no one was present at the time of the incident. She expressed concern about the computers and documents in her office, mentioning the presence of sprinklers in the building. Apart from the realty office, the strip mall also houses a coffee shop, a Pho restaurant, an optometry clinic, and a hair salon. All the business owners are anxious to assess the damage caused by the fire.
The strip mall fire in Coquitlam has left multiple businesses owners worried about the extent of the damage caused to their properties. Crews are still investigating the cause of the fire that resulted in thick black smoke emanating from one of the units in the plaza. The possibility of an explosion has been raised due to the glass scattered in the parking lot. As authorities work to determine the cause of the fire, business owners are left waiting anxiously to assess the damage and salvage any equipment or documents that may have been affected.
The incident at the Coquitlam strip mall serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of such emergencies and the importance of safety measures in commercial establishments. Emily Oh’s Realty was one of the businesses affected by the fire, and the owner is concerned about the potential damage to their computers and documents. The strip mall also houses a coffee shop, a Pho restaurant, an optometry clinic, and a hair salon, all of which may have suffered varying degrees of damage from the fire. The presence of sprinklers in the building highlights the importance of adhering to safety regulations to mitigate the impact of such incidents.
The blaze at the Coquitlam strip mall has prompted an investigation by fire crews to determine the cause of the fire that resulted in thick black smoke and the possibility of an explosion. The authorities are working diligently to understand the circumstances that led to the incident, with business owners eagerly awaiting information on the extent of the damage caused. The prompt response from police and firefighters highlights the importance of emergency preparedness in such situations, as it can make a significant difference in minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of individuals present in commercial establishments.
Overall, the incident at the Coquitlam strip mall serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of businesses to unexpected emergencies like fires and explosions. Business owners like Emily Oh are left grappling with the uncertainty of the situation and the potential loss of property and documents. While the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, it underscores the importance of safety measures and preparedness in commercial establishments to mitigate the impact of such incidents. The cooperation between authorities and business owners in assessing the damage and salvaging any valuable items highlights the resilience of the community in the face of adversity.
