Mounties are investigating a vehicle fire that burned multiple homes and displaced more than a dozen people in Langley early Tuesday morning.
Officers were called to the scene on 66 Avenue near 204 Street shortly after 5:20 a.m., Langley RCMP said in a news release.
While the initial call was about a vehicle fire, an image shared with the news release shows part of a townhouse complex was also burned.
“We are in the very early stages of this investigation and are working alongside the Township of Langley Fire Department to determine the origin and cause of this fire,” said Sgt. Zynal Sharoom, in the release.
“Preliminary information suggests the fire may have originated in the vehicle and spread to nearby residences, resulting in significant damage.”
Deputy Chief Russ Jenkins of the Township of Langley Fire Department told CTV News crews arrived to find the townhouse building “fully involved,” with the fire spreading to multiple units.
Jenkins said 14 to 16 people were forced to evacuate and one person was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
He estimated a total of five to seven units had been damaged – whether by fire, smoke or water – in the blaze.
As of early afternoon, it was still too soon to say what caused the fire or whether it is suspicious, Jenkins said.
Investigators were expected to remain in the area throughout the day Tuesday, police said, adding that motorists and other road users should avoid the area if possible.
Police asked anyone with information regarding the fire to contact them at 604-532-3200 and reference file number 2025-11918.
