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 these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
DEVELOPING Live updates from the Trump hush money trial: Stormy Daniels, bookkeeper testify
Adult film star Stormy Daniels is on the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.
Listowel, Ont. football player drafted, despite only three years of experience
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.