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One person arrested in connection with massive Vancouver fire (VIDEOS & PHOTOS)

Drivers are advised to avoid the area as firefighters will continue to work in to the evening. 
main-broadway-fire-helicopter
Photo: @VancouverPD / Twitter

A massive fire decimated several businesses on Main Street near Broadway and drivers are advised to avoid the area as crews continue to work into the evening. 

Dan Stroup, assistant chief of Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, tells Vancouver Is Awesome in a phone interview that the fire is out now, but that firefighters will continue to work in the area for hours to come. 

"From what we know now, no one was injured," Stroup says. "It looks like six businesses were damaged in addition to residential units."

Stroup notes that the residential units are located above the businesses, but the number of units affected is unknown. 

While Broadway is open to traffic now, the northbound lane of Main Street will be closed for quite some time, adds Stroup. 

In a Vancouver Police press conference this morning, Cst. Tania Visintin confirmed that one person was arrested for arson in connection to the blaze. However, the investigation is ongoing.

Local Businesses and Damage 

A number of people have lamented the loss of businesses on Main Street that were damaged by the fire. For example, Frenchie's restaurant was ravaged by flames and smoke, and the exterior of the building is charred. However, it is unknown what the damage is like inside.

We are absolutely gutted to see this all go down today!! We pray everyone is safe and no one got hurt! Shout out to the...

Posted by Lucy's Eastside Diner on Thursday, October 22, 2020
Someone also mentioned that their cat ran away due to the fire, and is asking the community to keep an eye out for their beloved pet.  Have a look at some photos and videos of the blaze from earlier today HERE.