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Second-alarm fire breaks out in Vancouver highrise building

Crews were able to knock it down quickly.
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A fire broke out in a residential building in Vancouver on Haro Street on May 17.

Firefighters responded to a fire in a Vancouver high rise building on Wednesday morning (May 17). 

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) was alerted to the blaze — burning in the 1600 block of Haro Street — around 11:30 a.m.

While it was originally classified as a second-alarm fire, it was "downgraded to a first-alarm soon after the crew arrived," Acting Assistant Chief of Operations Al Gregory told V.I.A. 

"Crews knocked it down quickly."

The blaze was contained to one suite but there is "significant smoke and fire damage" to that unit. And while it did not spread to adjacent units, there may be water damage from the sprinklers and fire hoses, he explained. 

The building was evacuated but no injuries were reported. A section of the street was closed to traffic but has since reopened.

Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. 

VFRS is reminding the public to be aware of their ignition devices, such as barbecues, as temperatures heat up and conditions become dry.