Crews douse apartment fire in Vancouver's West End

A Vancouver woman says she lost all her possessions after waking to flames on her apartment balcony in Vancouver's West End neighbourhood Wednesday morning.

Kristin Lamont, 40, says she only had time to grab her dog, Cedrick, and stuff a few photos and possessions into her purse.

After being alerted to the blaze in the 1600 block of Nelson Street shortly before 7:30 a.m. PT, firefighters doused the blaze in the four-storey apartment building while residents of the building — some toting cats and small dogs and wearing pyjamas — looked on.

Lamont sobbed recalling her escape.

"I was in my bed and I woke up to flames. The whole place was engulfed. The whole balcony was completely lit and the fire was smashing through the windows," she said, as she huddled on the sidewalk near the apartment with her family.

A man offered her a bowl for her dog while others offered hugs.

Lamont said that she ran a home business from her apartment making jewelry.

Fire officials said everyone in the building got out safe and they are now investigating the cause of the fire.