Early Morning Blaze Shakes the Community

Just after 4 a.m. on Wednesday, Kristina Hagen awoke to the haunting sound of sirens piercing the early morning calm. Looking out her window, she was met with a shocking sight: flames engulfing two buildings on East Hastings Street.

Rapid Response from Fire Crews

Within minutes, fire crews were on the scene, combating the raging inferno. "I counted five fire trucks at 4:30 a.m.," Hagen recounted, illustrating the urgency of the situation.

A Historic Loss

The fire, which burned for several hours, sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky, with the acrid scent noticeable as far as Granville and 12th streets. Tragically, three businesses suffered extensive damage, including the iconic Wohlford & Co., formerly known as Dayton’s Boots, a beloved fixture operating for 75 years.

Evacuations and Firefighter Efforts

Luckily, there were no reported injuries, but seven residents were evacuated from nearby buildings as a safety measure. Vancouver Fire Rescue Services' Matt Trudeau reported the fire was already "well-involved" with heavy smoke and flames upon their arrival, prompting an upgrade to a three-alarm status as it spread.

A Community Impacted

Approximately 40 firefighters battled the blaze, which forced the closure of several blocks of East Hastings during the morning rush. Trudeau noted the damage was severe, stating, "Windsor Meats and Indian Chef’s Kitchen are heavily damaged inside, and the fire spread into the roof of Dayton Boots. We had flames shooting out through the ventilation system, with heavy smoke engulfing the entire structure."

Uncertain Future for Wohlford & Co.

The devastating timing couldn't be worse for Wohlford & Co., which had just begun to rebuild after taking over the historic factory amid the pandemic. Pedriks, a representative from Wohlford, expressed deep regret, saying, "It’s a big loss. There’s a rich history with Dayton’s and now Wohlford. We were rebranding and about to welcome new retailers into the store. Now, all their goods are lost."

Investigation Underway

As of Wednesday morning, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. With the community still in shock, this tragic incident highlights the fragility of cherished local businesses.