The call came in around 3:30 a.m., according to Vancouver Fire Chief Karen Fry, who added that the fire appeared to be burning in a pile of wood recycling at a sawmill. On Twitter, Fry gave the location of the fire as “Ontario Street and the Fraser River.” He said crews had activated a third alarm for the fire and the Vancouver Rescue Services fire boat had also responded. No injuries were reported as of 8 a.m., Fry said, adding that crews will likely remain in the area for several hours. The fire chief warned of “very heavy smoke” in Vancouver’s River District neighborhood and advised people living near the fire to keep their windows closed and avoid working or exercising in the smoke. “Any smoke is dangerous, especially for those with breathing problems,” Fry tweeted. Saturday’s fire followed a busy Friday that saw crews respond to two simultaneous fires in and around the Downtown Eastside. The first fire, at 218 Keefer St. in Chinatown, broke out around noon. Thirty-nine residents were displaced in this incident. While firefighters were dealing with the Keefer St. fire, they were also called to 6 East Hastings St. for another fire. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
