Fire and Possible Explosion Cause Major Damage to Coquitlam Strip Mall

Authorities are investigating the cause of the early morning blaze that devastated multiple businesses in the Metro Vancouver area.

An early morning fire on Sunday heavily damaged a strip mall on North Road near Lougheed Highway in Coquitlam, B.C.
Investigators are examining whether the fire was caused by an explosion or by materials igniting inside one of the businesses.
The fire destroyed the mall's front facade, exposing structural damage and leaving business owners unable to access their properties.
No injuries were reported, but businesses impacted include a travel agency, a realty office, restaurants, and an optometry clinic.
Business owners are working to assess damages and continue operations remotely while awaiting further updates from authorities.