The great broadway fire of '09

As I was standing on the millennium line this morning rushing to get to class one word spread from ear to mouth at a viral pace. Fire, fire, fire! Even before I left the train I knew the basics, fire, broadway, traffic, and tragic are the four keywords focused on by my fellow transit-tory citizens. Now at class, with the teacher a half hour late for a completely related reason, I have the time to scan the airwaves and get the facts as they stand. 

At four in the morning a fire started on broadway and main, Four businesses were destroyed in the blaze that followed. The initial fire was believed to have originated in the Kishu Japanese restaurant where it spread quickly, consuming four other buildings: Zocalo, Lugz, an accounting office, and Slickety Jim’s Chat 'N Chew.  

While it took until 9AM for the 30+ firemen to extinguish the majority of the fire, the effects on traffic lasted well past the dousing of the last ember. Many people I talked to today found the traffic on broadway to be "unbearable". 

A far greater tragedy then the fire was the loss of Slickety Jim’s. An eatery with ties to the community stretching back well over a decade. Even at my school, far from Main and Broadway people are feeling the lose of a much loved restaurant.

It will be interesting to see what direction the media will take with this event in relation to the 2010 winter games. An increased call for the maintenance of fire standards in older buildings may be in the works.

In keeping with Vancouver's reputation as a city that cares a benefit concert has already been arranged for the people directly affected by the city's loss. 

AK-747s, Quiet Kids, The Orpheans - THIS FRIDAY!!! @ Bridge and Tunnel 110 E. Hastings St. Vancouver  

Doors open at 8:30pm Bands start at 9:30/Tickets: $7  at the door.

Enjoy Vancouver and I'll see you there.