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New Westminster fire leads to lawsuit against landlord, roofer

Nearly two years after a massive fire destroyed a historic block of New Westminster, one of the former business owners is suing his former landlord and a roofing company for his losses.

The blaze broke out in the 600 block of Columbia Street early Oct. 10, 2013, destroying the E.L. Lewis building, which belonged to one family for more than a century.

Fire investigators were never able to determine the cause of the fire and no charges were ever laid,

Earlier this week, the owner of three businesses that were destroyed, filed a civil lawsuit. Salim Jamal ran a vegan shop, a bridal business and a store called Moody Beads, which were all destroyed in the fire.

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In the civil suit filed in B.C. Supreme Court, Jamal alleges, among other things, that Taves Roofing Ltd. showed fault and negligence, didn't use skill, care or diligence, failed to comply with building codes, didn't use employees trained in torch work and didn't have any fire suppression equipment on the roof.

He also alleges, the landlord, William Evan Lewis and Copps Shoes, neglected to make sure the roofing company used properly trained employees, and is suing for his losses, damages and costs.

None of the allegations have been proven in court and the defendants have not yet filed a response.