Fire and police investigators are looking into the cause of an early-morning fire at a Port Moody townhouse complex that destroyed two homes and damaged others.
Port Moody Fire Rescue chief Darcey O’Riordan said crews received the call to the complex in the 2000 block of Panorama Drive at about 4:40 a.m. Upon arrival they found two units fully involved.
O’Riordan said three people were rescued from balconies, as well as several pets. He added an off-duty Surrey firefighter was instrumental in helping Port Moody firefighters deploy ladders. Four people reportedly suffered minor smoke inhalation.
Coquitlam Fire & Rescue also assisted with four trucks.
O’Riordan said firefighters had the fire under control in about an hour.
“The crews did an incredible job,” he told the Tri-City News, adding the blaze was so hot some of the siding on several units across the street melted.
O’Riordan said while there was no official evacuation of the complex, several neighbours did leave the area while others offered shelter to anyone who was displaced.
O’Riordan said fire investigators are on the scene to determine a cause. They’re being assisted by detectives from the Port Moody Police Department (PMPD).
In a statement, PMPD spokesperson, Cst. Sam Zacharias said initial information suggests “this fire may be suspicious in nature.”
The fire also resulted in a detour of the 183 bus around the scene.
