A massive fire broke out at an apartment building under construction in Langley on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a swift response from emergency crews.
According to officials, the fire started around 2:30 p.m. at the building located on 200th Street and 68th Avenue. Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke and flames shooting out of the building, which was still in its early stages of construction.
Firefighters from multiple departments, including Langley City, Langley Township, and Surrey, were called to the scene to battle the blaze. They were met with intense heat and heavy smoke, making it difficult to access the building.
As a precaution, nearby residents were evacuated from their homes while crews worked to contain the fire. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials believe it may have started in the building’s framing. The intense heat and strong winds also contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
The building, which was set to be a four-storey wood-frame apartment complex, sustained significant damage. It is unclear at this time if the structure will need to be demolished or if it can be salvaged.
The fire was eventually brought under control, but crews remained on the scene to monitor for any hot spots. The area surrounding the building has been cordoned off as a safety precaution.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures, especially in construction sites. Officials are urging developers and contractors to ensure proper safety protocols are in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As the investigation continues, residents are being advised to avoid the area and to expect traffic delays in the surrounding area. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
