The dramatic blaze that destroyed a waterfront gelato shop was accidental, White Rock fire officials have confirmed.
The fire last Tuesday morning in the 14900-block of Marine Drive was caused by a chemical reaction that occurred as a result of renovations to the vacant, second-floor business suite.
“They had been refinishing the hardwood floors upstairs and had sanded the floors that night,” fire Chief Phil Lemire said Monday. “Basically, with the product still curing, there was a chemical reaction within the sawdust… that was then ignited.”
Noting that the fire started at the back of the building, Lemire said that smoke from the blaze was not immediately noticed.
“Because of the obstructed view and the fog that morning, the fire was allowed to progress for a period of time before being reported,” he said.
Officials were first called to West Beach around 7 a.m. March 10, when flames ripped through the two-storey building at 14901 Marine Dr. Nobody was injured in the blaze, however, dozens of residents from surrounding apartments were displaced for several hours while fire crews worked to contain the fire.
The historic building, built in the early 1920s and most recently home to Gelateria Italia & Cafe, was torn down late that same evening.
In light of last week’s fire, Lemire reminded residents to be aware of the dangers that come with any paint, staining and finishing products.
