Residents flee smoke and flames in massive apartment blaze in B.C.

COQUITLAM, B.C. – The mayor of the Metro Vancouver city of Coquitlam, B.C., says a massive fire at an apartment building has forced about 100 people from their homes.

The blaze broke out late Monday afternoon at the building located behind Coquitlam Centre mall.

Mayor Richard Stewart says the displaced people lived in about 60 units.

Fire Chief Wade Pierlot says crews confined the fire to a corner of the building, were searching the remainder of the structure to make sure everyone got out and expected his firefighters to be at the scene all night.

A news release issued by the city Monday night says all the residents of the building have been evacuated, and should go to a local community centre or the homes of family and friends for the night.

The city says local residents will notice smoke over the next few hours. (CKNW, The Canadian Press)