On Monday (April 8) morning, the RCMP reported a legal indoor cannabis grow caught fire in downtown Squamish.
Onlookers quickly began posting videos and photos of a large black plume of smoke billowing from the 3rd Avenue and Vancouver Street area.
Big fire in downtown Squamish. It’s at main street and is a warehouse. First responders are on the scene. Looks nasty. #downtownSquamish. #Squamish #Squamishfire pic.twitter.com/KlfgmXGnkb
— Cheryl MacNaughton (@Cherylmacn) April 8, 2019
An evacuation order was initially issued to residents and anyone in the surrounding area citing “extensive hazardous smoke”, but was lifted when the fire was extinguished.
The Squamish Fire Rescue say the blaze started around 9:30 a.m. but was contained by noon.
‘Smoke is minimal,’ Fire Chief Bill Stoner told reporters. ‘We have knocked down the majority of the fire. Anything left is very minimal.’
Stoner also confirmed that no one was inside the structure during the incident.
While no neighbouring structures caught fire, the building suffered significant damage and is a “complete loss”
Environmental health officers for Vancouver Coastal Health are monitoring air quality but did not call for an evacuation.
All #Squamish Fire Rescue companies are responding to a large structure fire at 3rd & Vancouver #DowntownSquamish. We are speaking with @VCHhealthcare about air quality & will advise as required. Stay clear of area and keep windows/doors closed to avoid smoke inhalation.
— District of Squamish (@Squamishtown) April 8, 2019
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors and keep windows and doors tightly sealed to prevent smoke inhalation.
Roads in the area may be blocked for several hours. Squamish RCMP say an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze.
Squamish Fire called out to a legal grow op on the 37000 block Third Ave. Building was fully on fire when they arrived at 9:30am. Road and area will be closed for awhile. @CTVVancouver pic.twitter.com/jXgYIsVhXO
— Jim Fong – Vancouver (@jimfong604) April 8, 2019
