'It's challenging': Surrey home destroyed in early morning fire
A Surrey home was destroyed after an early morning fire on 100 Avenue near 174A Street.
The blaze broke out just before 4 a.m. and quickly spread, forcing fire crews to upgrade it to a second-alarm fire.
“It was fully involved, so there were flames and smoke on all sides of the unit,” said Battalion Chief Scott Peake, of the Surrey Fire Service.
The 3,500-square-foot rancher is nestled between several large trees and powerlines, so Peak says it was challenging to get near it.
“We were dealing with live wires and flowing gas as well at this time. So we were having to back away from the home briefly here,” said Peake as the fire was still burning in behind him.
Thick black smoke and bright orange flames could be seen from the Port Mann Bridge.
“It's challenging for us safety wise and it's challenging, for us to actually extinguish the fire with all the trees and everything around the home as well. So it makes it a little more difficult,” he added.
Crews had to rely on an aerial ladder to knock down the flames.
“We did have reports that possibly somebody is in it, but we have heard now that there were witnesses saying that they'd left,” said Peak.
Surrey Fire Service later confirmed to CTV that everyone who may have been inside the home had escaped safely.
The crew of 24 firefighters were able to prevent the homes on either side from being damaged.
The chief says the home was abandoned, but neighbours told CTV News that a family of four lived there.
"It was a mom and dad and two kids. We've only been here for about a year, so we didn't really know them very well. They were quiet, there was a family that actually lived here. They weren't squatters or anything," said Aaron Fast, who lives next door.
The driveway was filled with debris from the home as crews worked.
Peake says it’s too soon to know what caused the fire and whether or not it’s suspicious.
“We have RCMP on scene right now and they're gonna stay until we can get a fire investigator in here and check it out,” he said.
RCMP officers and the fire investigator were seen canvassing the area for surveillance video late Tuesday morning and police tape was then put up around the home.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
Irving Oil former president dies at age 93
Arthur L. Irving, chairman emeritus and former president of Irving Oil, has died at the age of 93.