Second-alarm fire damages Granville Street 7-Eleven

A second-alarm fire damaged a 7-Eleven on Vancouver’s Granville Street early Monday, temporarily affecting the intersection at Drake Street.

Vancouver Fire Rescue Service was called at about 3:47 a.m. and said crews quickly contained the blaze. The fire extended into the building structure, however, making full extinguishment take longer. Investigators have determined it began at the rear of the building, and its cause remains under investigation.

About 30 firefighters responded. Fire officials reported no injuries to civilians or crews, and all affected streets have reopened.

Siddharth Ghai, part of the ownership group for the building, said damage extended beyond the convenience store and affected the roof structure. The building has no power, and he expects it will take at least a couple of months before it is fully operational and the 7-Eleven can reopen.

Ghai said theft had already been a serious issue at the store and that the fire has added to his concerns about safety on Granville Street.