A dramatic scene unfolded Wednesday afternoon as firefighters rushed to combat a fierce blaze in a top-floor unit of a former Howard Johnson hotel on Vancouver's Granville Street, now a supportive housing facility.

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services swiftly escalated the situation to a second alarm, driven by the urgency to protect vulnerable occupants inside. "This was crucial due to the high population density within the building," noted VFRS Captain Matthew Trudeau.

To effectively battle the flames and conduct a thorough search for residents, Granville Street was closed between Helmcken and Davie streets, intensifying the firefighting efforts.

Two individuals were rushed to the hospital for smoke inhalation, raising concerns about the safety of those living in the facility.

Trudeau indicated that while the fire was predominantly confined to a single unit, firefighters faced significant challenges due to severe hoarding conditions within. "The sprinkler system helped contain the fire, but the sheer volume of combustible materials created a hazardous environment, complicating our response," he explained.

Highlighting past incidents, Trudeau referred to previous emergencies at the facility, including false alarms and fires. "We receive a multitude of emergency calls here—from medical overdoses to instances of residents using torches, resulting in serious fires like the one that left a woman with third-degree burns," he revealed.

Since its conversion to supportive housing by the B.C. government in 2020, this building has repeatedly drawn attention for its chaotic scenes, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness.

The incident leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the number of residents who may now be displaced due to the fire.