A house in Langley engulfed in flames has created a large smoke plume seen across the Lower Mainland and was preceded by a report to police of an explosion. Two people are in critical condition and one person is unaccounted for but police don't know if they were away from the home.
Emergency crews are on the scene of 7300-block of 196 Street. Langley Township Fire Department was joined by crews from the Surrey Fire Department.
"At approximately 10:40 a.m. Langley RCMP received a report of a possible explosion and fire at a residence located in the 7300-block of 196 Street," said Langley RCMP Sgt. Zynal Sharoom.
First responders from Langley Fire, Emergency Health Services and Langley RCMP responded. Residences in the surrounding area have been evacuated.
"The investigation into this incident is in its infancy and we are working closely with the Township of Langley Fire Department to determine the cause of this fire," Sharoom said.
He said the cause remains unknown.
"We will be there throughout the night and into tomorrow," Sharoom said.
Four ambulances with primary care paramedics, one ambulance with advanced care paramedics, two advanced care paramedic responder units and one paramedic supervisor responded to the scene.
"Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to two patients who were transported by ground ambulance to Routley Park, where they met two air ambulance helicopters. The two patients were transported to hospital via air ambulance in critical condition under the care of critical care paramedics,” said Public Information Officer Rachelle Bown.
He added that there is an indefinite road closure on 196 Street between 72 and 74 Avenues and several side streets are also affected. Motorists, pedestrians, and road users are being asked to avoid the area and find alternate routes.
Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is requested to contact the Langley RCMP and quote file 2025-6044. The non-emergency number is 604-530-3200.
Due to a structure fire, please avoid the residential area around the 7300-block of 196 Street while Fire crews work to extinguish the blaze. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/d1TgWO7270
— Township of Langley Fire Department (@TLFDFire) February 28, 2025
