Port Moody Strip Mall Engulfed in Early Morning Blaze, Unleashing Chaos and Disrupting Local Businesses

Port Moody awoke to a shocking scene on Thursday, May 30th, as a ferocious early morning fire tore through a bustling strip mall on St. Johns Street. The massive blaze, which ignited sometime before dawn, quickly escalated, engulfing multiple businesses and sending plumes of thick smoke into the sky, visible from a considerable distance across the city.

Emergency crews were alerted to the inferno in the 2800-block of St.

Johns Street, near Moody Street, around 4:30 AM. Upon arrival, Port Moody Fire Rescue faced a "well-involved" structure fire, a testament to the rapid spread and intensity of the flames. Firefighters battled tirelessly to bring the powerful blaze under control, working for hours to contain it and prevent further damage to adjacent properties in the commercial area.

The immediate aftermath of the fire led to significant and prolonged disruptions for commuters and residents alike.

St. Johns Street, a major artery through Port Moody, was completely shut down in both directions between Moody Street and Ioco Road for several hours as emergency personnel worked at the scene. This forced extensive detours, caused considerable traffic snarls during the morning rush hour, and impacted TransLink bus routes which had to be rerouted, further compounding the morning commute for many.

Several local businesses housed within the strip mall suffered catastrophic damage.

Among those affected were a beloved bakery and a nail salon, with reports indicating other establishments also bore the brunt of the destructive flames. The full extent of the damage and the profound impact on these community staples is still being assessed, leaving owners and employees to face an uncertain future as they grapple with the loss.

Fortunately, despite the intensity of the fire and the extensive structural damage, authorities confirmed there were no reported injuries, a significant relief amidst the devastation.

The quick response and professional efforts of Port Moody Fire Rescue and other emergency services were crucial in ensuring public safety and preventing any loss of life.

The cause of the early morning inferno remains under investigation by fire officials. Authorities will be meticulously examining the scene to determine how such a destructive blaze began.

As cleanup operations begin and the community grapples with the loss, the focus remains on supporting the affected businesses and understanding the origins of this devastating incident that brought a portion of Port Moody to a grinding halt.