Firefighters Battle Suspicious Construction Site Blaze

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a fire erupted at a construction site on Fraser Highway near 201 Street in Langley, prompting a swift response from the Langley City Fire Rescue Service. After hours of firefighting efforts, the road has now reopened to traffic.

Fire Chief Raises Concerns

As investigators delve into the cause of the fire, which authorities deem suspicious, Fire Chief Scott Kennedy expressed his concerns about the situation. ‘The fact that it was a building under construction always raises questions,’ he told 1130 NewsRadio.

Fighting an Unyielding Inferno

Firefighters faced significant challenges as they battled the blaze. The team opted to fight the fire from outside rather than risk sending crews inside the unstable structure. According to Chief Kennedy, the roof obstructed direct access to the flames, complicating their efforts.

‘As the building began to fail, roof components started collapsing onto the burning materials,’ he explained, highlighting the dangers posed by falling debris.

Hidden Dangers of Fire Aftermath

Even after the flames are doused, danger lingers. Chief Kennedy noted that void spaces within a collapsed structure can retain immense heat, making complete extinguishment challenging. ‘You may cool an area down, but the heat can quickly rebuild, allowing the fire to flare up again.’

Damage Control Successful Despite Setbacks

Despite the complexities, the firefighting team successfully contained the damage to surrounding buildings. Chief Kennedy acknowledged that while there was indeed damage, it could have been significantly worse given the intensity of the fire.

Next Steps in the Investigation

As the investigation continues, a structural engineer has been called in to assess the damage, working in tandem with the building's owner and insurance representatives to determine the future of the site. They are strategizing the best course of action for what remains of the building.

Community on Alert

As this story unfolds, the Langley community remains on alert, eager to understand more about the suspicious nature of this incident and the steps being taken to prevent future events.