Stubborn Surrey fire continues to burn due to challenging roof
Posted August 4, 2021 7:35 am.
Last Updated August 4, 2021 7:36 am.
SURREY (NEWS 1130) – A fire that badly damaged a condo building in Surrey appears to have flared up again.
Smoke was seen rising from the structure in the area of 70A Avenue and 140th Street in Newton Wednesday morning.
The fire first broke out Tuesday afternoon, forcing dozens of people from their suites.
“It’s basically not gone out. We were struggling with hot spots throughout the night,” explained Deputy Fire Chief Mark Griffioen.
An apartment or townhouse complex has caught fire in Surrey near 70ave and 140th street; A witness tells NEWS1130 emergency crews are on scene. We've reached out to Surrey Fire for more info @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/aKKTFldlTC
— Jonathan Szekeres (@jonszekeres) August 4, 2021
He says the design of the roof is making it difficult to get water into the fire, meaning the fire is able to continue spreading.
“It seems like the type of construction is making it difficult for us to get water onto the seat of the fire, while at the same time it’s allowing the fire to progress. That seems to be what’s happening,” he said around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, more than 12 hours after the fire initially started.
“We’re just trying to put out the hot spots.”
The roof of the condo complex is “somewhat unusual,” Griffioen said, adding the investigation to come will likely “reveal exactly why we’re struggling so much.”
There’s still no word on what caused the fire Tuesday, or just how extensive the damage is.
No injuries have been reported.
Smoke is expected to continue being very visible from surrounding areas until the fire is completely knocked down.
-With files from Dean Recksiedler
