Fire trucks attending on scene with fire fighters huddling together

Update on W. 41st Avenue Fires

August 8 2024 –

Investigations and recovery efforts continue, following the crane collapse and fires in the Dunbar-Southlands neighbourhood.

At the time of the incident, Vancouver Emergency Support Services (ESS) staff and volunteers registered approximately 81 people who had been evacuated from their homes and required assistance.

All residents may now return home with the exception of five homes, which 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.

BC Hydro has restored power to the area and the City has dispatched sanitation teams to clean up debris from the fire. 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.

Anyone with underlying breathing conditions should consider staying away from the area until clean-up is completed.

The health and safety of residents, all workers involved and the community remain a top priority, as efforts to remove the collapsed crane are underway. This is a joint effort involving the property owner, qualified contractors, the City of Vancouver and relevant agencies including WorkSafeBC, and is expected to begin in the coming days.

Road closures remain in place to ensure safety between W. 40th and 41st avenues and Collingwood and Blenheim streets. Please re-route around the area as necessary and check the City of Vancouver’s social media channels for traffic updates.  

We ask the public to please respect barriers and avoid the area if possible. Residents returning to their homes are asked to follow directions of crews on site and official posted notices.

Backgrounder

If a property has significant damage, fire debris or ash, residents may wish to consult a professional hazardous materials cleanup service or restoration service company to assist in the cleanup.

Individuals who would like to manage any cleanup themselves should use protective equipment such as masks (well-fitted N95 mask recommended), goggles, rubber gloves, boots, long sleeve shirt and pants to prevent exposure to ash and dust. Additionally: 

  • Children should not be in the vicinity while cleanup is in progress.  
  • It is best to not allow pets in burned areas due to the potential risk to their health and their ability to spread ash and debris; prevent pets drinking from puddles or runoff contaminated with any ash or fire debris
  • Clean ash off house pets and other domesticated animals if they have been in contaminated areas. 
  • In most cases, gently sweeping indoor and outdoor hard surfaces followed by wet mopping is the best way to clean up ash residue. A damp cloth or wet mop may be all that is needed on lightly dusted areas. 
  • Collected ash and fire debris may be disposed of in the regular trash. Ash may be stored in plastic bags or other containers to help prevent it from being disturbed. 
  • Do not consume any food, beverages, or medication that have been exposed to burns, debris or ash. 
  • Use mild detergent and clean water to wash outdoor areas and children’s outside toys, play equipment, and recreational equipment and outdoor furniture. 
  • If you have a vegetable garden or fruit trees, wash the fruit or vegetables thoroughly before eating them. 

For more health and safety information regarding ash and debris following a fire, please contact Environmental Health at Vancouver Coastal Health, ehvc@vch.ca or 604-675-3800.  

A step-by-step guide for residents returning home is available at:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/evacuation-recovery/emergency-recovery#steps