If you were planning to pick up some egg tarts or pineapple buns from The Boss Bakery in Richmond, you are out of luck.
The popular Asian bakery chain’s Blundell Centre location has been forced to close after a fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday, February 1st.
According to a neighbour, the fire started around 5am.
When we drove by on Monday, one of the store’s front windows was boarded up with plywood.
Three official notices were taped to the glass door.
Richmond Fire-Rescue posted an “Unsafe – Do Not Enter or Occupy” legal notice under City of Richmond Bylaws.
The notice states that the building is considered to be in unsafe condition and cannot be occupied until it meets fire protection and life safety requirements.
A Site Safety Assessment form from Richmond Fire-Rescue documented the incident as a structure fire.
The assessment flagged multiple hazards including an unsafe ceiling, structure compromise, exposed wires, water and wet areas, and smoke fumes.
Vancouver Coastal Health also issued a separate Closure Order to the bakery.
The health order cites heat and smoke damage sustained by the fire.
Before reopening, the bakery must close to the public until corrective actions are completed.
They must discard all food that may have been contaminated by fire damage or smoke.
Broken and damaged display cases need to be removed, and all equipment must be in good working order.
The entire premises, equipment, and utensils must be thoroughly cleaned with hot water and soap, then sanitized.
Finally, they need to arrange an inspection with an Environmental Health Officer when the corrective actions are completed to reopen.
Looking through the glass, the interior tells the story.
Display cases that would normally be filled with fresh baked goods sit empty.
A ladder stands in the middle of the floor as cleanup crews work on the damaged ceiling tiles above.
Dirt and debris cover the ground.
Here is where things get a little confusing.
A separate notice on the window states that The Boss Bakery at Blundell was already closed as of February 1st for renovations.
It is unclear whether the fire had any connection to the renovation work.
The fire has also unfortunately affected neighbouring businesses.
Medussa, a bedding company located next door, posted on Red Note that smoke from the incident has impacted their store as well.
They mentioned they cannot open for an uncertain period of time.
There is no word yet on when The Boss Bakery’s Blundell Centre location might reopen.
Given the extent of the damage and the list of requirements from health officials, it could be a while.
In the meantime, fans of the chain can visit their other Richmond location in CF Richmond Centre.
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Address: #180-8120 No. 2 Road, Richmond, BC