Blaze Erupts at Langley Construction Site, Residents Evacuated

A significant fire erupted early on October 17, 2023, at a construction site located at the intersection of 201st Street and Fraser Highway in Langley. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that emergency services responded to the blaze shortly after 4 a.m., leading to the evacuation of several nearby residential buildings as a precautionary measure.

Sgt. Zynal Sharoom of the RCMP stated, “Out of an abundance of caution, several neighbouring residential buildings were evacuated.” This swift action ensured the safety of residents living close to the construction site.

The fire affected a building adjacent to the Emilio Finatti Pizzeria, which confirmed the incident on social media. “Early this morning, our Langley location encountered an unexpected challenge with a fire in the adjacent building,” the restaurant said, expressing gratitude for the rapid response from the Langley City Fire Department. As a result of the fire, the pizzeria announced it would remain closed until further notice.

Local resident Kellie Kemps, who was not in one of the evacuated buildings, shared her experience of the incident. She became aware of the fire around 5 a.m. when she noticed a burning smell and subsequently lost power. “I looked out of my window and could see instantly it was a massive fire,” Kemps recounted to 1130 NewsRadio.

According to Sgt. Sharoom, there have been no reported injuries resulting from the fire. The area surrounding the construction site has been cordoned off, and authorities are advising the public to avoid the scene until further notice.

Emergency responders are currently on-site to manage the situation, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the Langley Fire Department expected to release more information in the coming hours. Road closures are also in effect in the area, complicating access for residents and commuters alike.

As the situation develops, local authorities continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community, ensuring that all necessary measures are taken in response to the incident.