Dozens of animals killed in fire at Surrey exotic animal rescue
A fire at an exotic animal rescue in Surrey killed dozens of animals and displaced many more over the weekend.
On Saturday morning, a volunteer showed up to their shift at Urban Safari Rescue and realized there had been a fire overnight, according to board member Pamala-Rose Combs. After calling 911, the volunteer scrambled to try to save as many animals as possible, but for some it was just too late.
When Combs arrived after the fire had been put out, she said she was shocked and speechless.
“I walked in the door and that first moment, there were really no words,” she told CTV News. “The loss has been devastating. The sugar gliders, the skinny pigs, the guinea pigs, the mammals, the fish, everyone that was in the front area of the building was subjected to the fire.”
Combs said dozens of animals died from the soot or smoke inhalation. One ball python named Solo was rescued from the blaze but suffered serious injuries such as the loss of one eye.
Urban Safari Rescue Society has been around for nearly 12 years and is home to hundreds of exotic animals that are abandoned or surrendered. It relies on its outreach and educational programs to earn money.
Greg McRobbie, the assistant chief of the Surrey Fire Service said the fire started with a power surge in a heating unit in one of the animal cages.
“I think the soot and the remnants in there from the plastic being burnt would have been the biggest cause for the animals,” McRobbie said.
While nothing can make up for the animals lost, Combs said Urban Safari does have insurance. But she also notes that it won’t cover everything and that the non-profit was just starting to recover from the financial fallout and closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“And now, we’re closed for business," she said. We have no idea how long this is going to take.”
The support that has come pouring in from staff, volunteers and community members after the fire has been overwhelming, she added, but the future remains uncertain. The rebuilding process is expected to take months and the organization has started an online fundraiser to help cover the costs.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.