UPDATE (Dec.12): Residents of 106 out of 192 units are being allowed to return home today. It’s estimated the repairs to damaged units may take at least a year. An investigation into what caused the fire has now been launched.
Westminster Savings, with the help of the Sources Community Resource Society, is accepting public donations to help victims of the fire. Donations can be made at any Westminster Savings branch (reference account #333975101).
Sources Community Resource Centres is offering the following: Sources Langley Food Bank has arranged special distribution hours this week for evacuees only. Sources Trauma Counselling Program has a trauma counsellor available for anyone impacted by the fire. Sources Advocacy Programs’ outreach support workers are available to assist evacuees seeking help with housing issues.
—
A massive fire ravaged a condo complex in Langley Sunday morning.
Huge flames and heavy smoke were seen shooting from the roof of the Paddington Station complex in the 5600-block of 201A Street sometime after 10 a.m. The fire destroyed the building’s roof and the top floors have been severely damaged.
Crews from both the City of Langley and the Township of Langley battled the blaze for hours. Crews were unable to effectively fight the flames until the ladder truck rolled onto the scene, as flames spread throughout the roof all around the building and into the attic.
City of Langley Fire Chief Rory Thompson said the original call reported a fire on the balcony of a fourth-floor unit, although the source and cause of the blaze have yet to be confirmed.
WATCH: Crews battle huge fire at Langley condo complex
Thompson said he would not confirm whether the building has been completely cleared of residents and pets until his crews conducted a secondary search of the building. The results of that search have yet to be released.
The complex is less than a decade old.
One resident was rescued from the fourth floor and taken down the ladder to safety. He was taken to hospital for assessment due to possible smoke inhalation.
WATCH: More on the Langley condo fire
Three firefighters were also treated for smoke inhalation. Fire officials confirm they are in stable condition.
There is no word yet on how many people live in the complex or how many of its 60 or so units have been damaged. Many of the residents had to run out of the building with just the clothes on their back.
The Douglas Recreation Centre has been opened to those residents displaced by the fire. The City of Langley said they are asking for people to hold off on donations until Monday as relief efforts are in their early stages.
A spokesperson said more info regarding relief efforts and donations will be posted on the City’s website Monday morning.
An information session was held Sunday night at the Douglas Recreation Centre to advise residents on what will happen next. Members of Langley city council, the City of Langley fire department and Langley RCMP were in attendance, along with the building owner and representatives of the restoration company, according to a release from the City.
A number of animals were also rescued from the building.
-With files from Ted Field and Paul Johnson
- Caught on video: B.C. firefighter survives hit-and-run outside his own home
- Surrey crime prevention group stunned as city cuts funding
- Woman acquitted in heated confrontation outside North Vancouver sushi restaurant
- B.C. electric vehicle sales continue to rise as survey finds softening Canadian interest
Comments