3 businesses affected by early morning fire in East Vancouver

Dozens of firefighters responded to an early morning fire in East Vancouver Wednesday that has affected multiple businesses. 

Matthew Trudeau, public information officer with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, said crews arrived just after 4 a.m. to a "quickly progressive fire," located on the 2200 block of East Hastings Street, with visible flames and heavy smoke. 

He told CBC News that around 8 a.m., crews were still working to extinguish the fire.

"It's really hard getting water access inside through the roof," he said. 

Trudeau said the blaze quickly spread to other structures, which he described as "older wood structures," affecting the Windsor Meats butcher shop, Indian Chef's Kitchen restaurant, and retailer Wohlford & Company. 

Trudeau said no one was in the businesses at the time of the fire and no injuries have been reported, but about seven people have been evacuated from an additional nearby building as a precaution. 

Trudeau said firefighters will likely be on scene, and Hastings Street will be shut down from Nanaimo Street to Lakewood Drive for several hours. 

He said fire investigators are on scene to determine where the fire started and what caused it. 

Smoke in the air

Trudeau said the fire department received calls Wednesday morning about smoke around the city, extending as far as Fairview. 

"We've got a very dense smoke that's unfortunately going down and resting into low-lying areas into the city," said Trudeau. 

He said those who smell smoke should keep their doors and windows closed and shut down ventilation systems if possible. 

Historic retailer affected 

One of the businesses affected is the historic Wohlford & Company, formerly known as Dayton Boots, which has operated its factory store since 1946. 

"This is my life," said owner Hall Risk Wednesday morning. "It's pretty much gone."

Risk said he could smell smoke this morning from his home in Fairview. 

"I don't know where we go from here. It's a nightmare." 

Nienke Van Hasselt, who lives nearby, said the damage is a big loss to the community. 

"They're part of the neighbourhood, they're part of the character here," she said.

"This is heartbreaking, this is such a cool little block." 

Local Indigenous hip hop group and multiple Juno winners Snotty Nose Rez Kids says the Wohlford and Company building was also home to their recording studio and clothing line, Savage Kids. 

A statement from member Yung Trybez, also known as Quinton Nyce, says the band recently moved into the space, bringing all their recording gear and other irreplaceable valuables like awards and masks that had been carved for them. 

"This is simply devastating," said the statement. 

"We haven't seen the extent of the damage, but no doubt all of our machines, clothing and material stock, design prototypes and all our equipment for making clothing and screen printing will be impacted."