Firefighters were kept busy at an intense fire in White Rock Sunday.
The fire started at a construction site near Johnston Road and Pacific Avenue around 5 a.m.
Winds spread the flames to a nearby commercial building and a three-storey 60-unit apartment complex that housed more than 110 residents. Several units were damaged and residents were ordered out. Officials say it appears everyone is safe and accounted for. Evacuees have been transported to Centennial Arena.
White Rock Mayor Wayne Baldwin said many of the displaced residents have condo insurance, but there are about six who did not. Those who are unable to spend the night with friends or family will be put up in a hotel.
An emergency response station was set up at Centennial Arena, but donations are not being accepted at the moment. The city says a list will be posted on their website so residents know what specific donations are needed.
If you want to give a financial donation, you are asked by the city to do so here.
White Rock’s fire chief will be updating residents on the situation tomorrow morning.
A nearby church may also have suffered smoke and water damage.
Firefighters from White Rock and Surrey continue to battle the blaze, which is under control but not fully extinguished.
White Rock chief administrative officer Dan Bottrill says a boil water advisory is in effect and could be in place for at least 24 hours. The city is experiencing low water levels, which means contaminants could get into the water.
Bottrill says the advisory is a precautionary measure and there is no evidence that contamination has occurred.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
– With files from Nadia Stewart
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