Cause of fire, possible explosion at B.C. strip mall remains under investigation – BC [Video]

Coquitlam, B.C., RCMP are investigating a destructive fire that broke out in a strip mall on the Coquitlam-Burnaby border on Sunday.

The fire broke out before 6:30 a.m. on North Road near Rochester Street in Coquitlam.

“Upon their arrival, (crews) witnessed thick, black smoke coming from one of the units. There is also evidence or signs of a possible explosion,” Coquitlam Fire and Rescue Asst. Chief Sandro Bonifazi said.

“Crews did an aggressive attack on the fire and held it. They were able to knock it down.”

The storefront window of a restaurant in the business park appears to have been blown out, with shattered glass sent flying across the parking lot.

Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.

The complex is home to a …