The City of Vancouver says most residents who were evacuated from their homes due to a massive fire in the Dunbar-Southlands neighbourhood may now go back.
This is the case for all but five houses in the area, with officials saying those homes are “unsafe to occupy.”
“Residents of these five homes who have not registered with ESS should register by calling 3-1-1 as soon as possible. ESS continues to support residents who cannot return home with short-term basic supports,” the city said in an update Thursday.
The latest comes after BC Hydro was able to restore power to the area. The fire on Tuesday in the area of West 41st Avenue and Collingwood Street engulfed a wood-frame building that was under construction.
Moments after firefighters arrived, a crane collapsed across the roadway, bringing down power lines and trolley wires, as well as hitting some homes in the area.
The crane was still laying on the roadway as of Thursday, with the city saying road closures remain in place between W. 40th and W. 41st avenues and Collingwood and Blenheim streets.
The scene was chaotic as large flames erupted from the construction site. Debris and ash from the fire remained scattered around the area in the days that followed the blaze.
The city says it has dispatched clean-up teams and notes the debris is “not considered a significant health concern for most people.”
“Those who would like to clean up debris themselves should ensure that they have the proper personal safety equipment,” a statement reads.
At least two homes near the building were damaged by the flames.
The fire created “its own kind of firestorm,” according to Vancouver Fire Rescue Services Chief Karen Fry.