North Vancouver fire destroys one home, damages second on East Osborne Road

A house fire in North Vancouver's Upper Lonsdale neighbourhood destroyed one home and damaged another early Sunday morning, sending one person to hospital with minor injuries.

District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services received multiple reports of heavy fire and smoke on East Osborne Road near Lonsdale Avenue just before 5:30 a.m. on August 31. More than a dozen fire crews from all three North Shore departments responded to the scene.

The initial structure became engulfed in flames, with the roof and walls collapsing. The intensity of the blaze was severe enough to send fire and smoke toward the west side of the property, igniting a second home. Firefighters knocked down the door of the second house and went upstairs to douse the fire in its bathroom and attic.

"The second home has fire and water damage but was luckily saved," said Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Stewart. "It was a good outcome, all things considered."

One person from the original home was taken to hospital after attempting to fight the fire and rescue their pets. The number of residents in both homes remains unconfirmed, though firefighters were able to get people out safely. One person was reported unaccounted for but is believed to be off the property and safe.

The cause remains under investigation, though authorities said it does not appear suspicious. The District of North Vancouver cautioned residents the area may notice cloudy water due to firefighting efforts, but water remains safe to drink and will return to clear. Crews remained on scene monitoring for flare-ups.