A late-night fire in downtown Maple Ridge forced dozens of people from their homes and sent multiple people to hospital.

On Tuesday evening, Aug. 27, at approximately 7 p.m., Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue responded to a burning apartment building at 22256 119 Ave., said fire chief (interim) Dave Samson.

"When we arrived, there was fire coming out of the second-floor suite," said Samson. 

He reported that a resident had jumped from the second floor, and was one of two people who were sent to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.

Samson said that the crew of 25 firefighters used a transitional attack to contain the fire, which had already spread to the third floor.  Although the fire damage was quite extensive, firefighters were able to contain it mostly to two suites.

However, the entire building was evacuated and remains empty while the investigation is being done, said Samson. 

"We utilized ESS (Emergency Support Services), including Pitt Meadows ESS, with 36 people registered," said Samson.

In total, approximately 50 people have been displaced, with many being currently temporarily re-homed in hotels.

"The cause of the fire is undetermined, and we'll be doing an investigation tomorrow alongside the Ridge Meadows RCMP," said Samson.

Ridge Meadows RCMP confirmed that they are currently investigating the incident, but declined to provide details regarding the investigation or why some social media posts of the fire scene show an unknown individual being taken away in handcuffs.