Syrian refugees displaced again after blaze ruins apartment in Coquitlam, B.C.

July 29, 2016 - 9:23 AM

COQUITLAM, B.C. - Dozens of Syrian refugees have lost their new homes after a fire burned through an apartment complex in Coquitlam, B.C.

The fire broke out about 11 a.m. on Thursday, displacing numerous families including many who escaped from war-torn Aleppo.

Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart says there was extensive damage to the three-storey building that was old and had no sprinklers.

He says the people were put up in hotels and city staff are looking for another permanent accommodation.

Fire crews battled the blaze for about an hour to bring it under control but the cause was not immediately known.

At least 50 refugees were affected and they have only been in Canada for about six months. (Global)

News from © The Canadian Press, 2016

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