British Columbia

North Vancouver housing co-op fire leaves more than 50 people without a home

A fire in North Vancouver has left more than 50 people without a home.

Investigators have yet to determine the cause of Thursday's fire

At least 50 people are out of their homes after a major fire at a North Vancouver housing co-op. (CBC)

A fire in North Vancouver has left more than 50 people without a home. 

The fire started at a housing co-op near Hamber Place and Mount Seymour Road on Thursday evening. At its height, the fire could be seen from across Burrard Inlet in Vancouver.

"The roof is caved in. We don't know where our cat is. We don't the know the extent of the damage," said one resident Lexi Malish-Mingo. 

Malish-Mingo lives in the suite directly below where the fire started. She has insurance but is now trying to make plans on where to go next.

The large fire damaged the roof of the housing co-op. (North Vancouver Fire)

Fire investigators spent most of Friday at the scene, but have not yet determined a cause. Some witnesses say it may have been an electrical fire.

"People were trying to grab their belongings ... you just tell them to drop everything and grab your children or your pets," said another resident Ryan Laroque. "You have what is on your back but at least you are alive."

A number of residents from the building's lower floors were told they could go back Friday afternoon. However, many said they might not be able to go back for a year.

(CBC)