The final phase of clearing up debris from the Super Grocer & Pharmacy fire is nearing the end as crews get ready to remove the building's foundation.
The Steveston grocery store at No. 1 Road and Moncton Street, known for its fresh flowers and wide selection of Asian ingredients, was destroyed by a fire on Jan. 26.
The building was deemed unsafe and torn down just a week after the fire, but the debris remained until earlier this month.
Richmond Fire-Rescue chief Jim Wishlove told the Richmond News equipment was brought to the site on April 10 with demolition expected to take about three weeks.
"I believe that, as of today, all the fire debris has been removed, with only the foundation of the building remaining there," said Wishlove.
He added the removal of the foundation will take around one and a half weeks, at which point a lower fence will replace the high-security fencing in the area.
The two-month gap between the fire and the removal of debris was partially due to regulatory requirements and environmental work, such as checking whether there was asbestos or other hazardous material, Wishlove explained.
As for the cost of the cleanup, the responsibility lies with the owner.
"(Cleaning up is) not a community-based cost at all," he said.
Wishlove added the decisions for Super Grocer's next steps are "very costly" and "very strategic" and he believed the owner is "taking all necessary steps" to explore the best options for his business, his family and the community.
"The fire department feels for (the owner) and we also feel for the community in this loss as well."
Since the fire, Super Grocer has reopened its pharmacy at 130-3591 Chatham Street. It is also selling meat, plants and other items at the rear of 110-3651 Moncton Street.
Last month, community members raised $8,600 in support of staff at Super Grocer.
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