Early Morning Fire Devastates Coquitlam Strip Mall; Cause Under Investigation

Mounties in Coquitlam, B.C., are investigating an early morning fire that tore through a strip mall on North Road and Lougheed Highway. The fire, reported around 6:30 a.m. PT on Sunday, has left multiple businesses damaged, including a travel agency, an optometry clinic, restaurants, and a cafe.

Const. John Graham with Coquitlam RCMP confirmed that no injuries were reported and that both police and fire officials are working to determine the cause of the blaze. "We are investigating reports of a loud bang that was heard before the fire started, but nothing is confirmed at this stage," Graham said.

Witness Accounts

MJ Kim, the owner of Hansem Travel, said one of the first reports of the fire came from an employee at a nearby restaurant.

"An employee came in early to prepare for the day, heard a loud bang, and then saw the fire. He immediately called 911," Kim said. Kim’s office was closed at the time, and none of his employees were on-site. He has since contacted his insurance company and is working to continue operations remotely.

Realtor Emily Oh, whose office was also impacted, said she received the news while on her way to a meeting.

"My landlord called and said there was a fire. I thought she was joking," Oh recalled. "When I arrived, I was shocked by how severe the damage was."

Oh described significant structural damage to the mall's north side and water damage from sprinklers in her office.

"I had a lot of emotional attachment to that space, and my team felt like a family. It’s like losing a home," she said, adding that despite the challenges, she remains hopeful.

Extent of Damage

Images from the scene show the building's front facade collapsed, revealing twisted metal piping and wooden framing. Many business owners are now grappling with the aftermath, trying to salvage what they can.

"The damage was very severe, and many business owners here only have this one location," Oh said.

While some businesses with additional locations may be able to weather the disruption, others face uncertainty.

Investigation Underway

Const. Graham said that while the cause of the fire is still unknown, investigators are looking into the possibility of an explosion or whether materials inside one of the businesses may have ignited.

The fire department and RCMP are working closely to determine the origin of the blaze.

Despite the destruction, there’s a shared sense of resilience among those affected. "We’re going to be okay," Oh said optimistically.

Community Support

The strip mall was home to a variety of businesses serving the local community, including a karaoke bar, restaurants, and an optometry clinic. Local authorities and residents are rallying to support affected business owners as they navigate the challenges ahead.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.