Langley’s Willougby neighbourhood is dealing with the aftermath of the massive overnight condo fire.
Willoughby Elementary school will be closed Tuesday as first responders remain on scene in the area of 208th Street and 80th Avenue, the Langley School District announced.
Members of the #Willoughby community displaced by the fire are asked NOT to go to @LangleyEvents, instead go to Willoughby Hall (208 St/83 Ave) to register with the Emergency Preparedness program. #LangleyBC https://t.co/rmj2dr2UD3
— Joti Grewal (@JotiGrewal_) April 20, 2021
“A large fire has impacted the Willoughby Slope community and many of our families,” the district said. “The school is not accessible due to emergency responders on scene.”
Firefighters battled the fuming blaze in Yorkson for much of the night, where the fire broke out around 10 p.m. Monday.
Langley RCMP reminding motorists to plan alternate travel routes. Willoughby/Yorkson 208th st and 80th and surrounding five block radius will remain closed for most of today as firefighters continue to battle construction site fire. pic.twitter.com/mNiZrNwp29
— Langley RCMP (@LangleyRCMP) April 20, 2021
A witness on scene said he heard siren returning to the scene around 5 a.m. suggesting the blaze was not yet contained.
“It’s far from over,” Township of Langley assistant fire chief Andy Hewitson told the Langley Advance Times around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, as crews continued to battle growing blaze.
“We’re still actively doing our best to defend the buildings we have left here,” he said.
The flames originated in a condo development that was still under construction, Hewitson explained. But it later spread to neighbouring units that were occupied.
Hewitson confirmed there were no injuries reported at the time, but said he will continue to update the local media outlet.
The fire department has also called in an excavator to assist crews with containing the blaze and preventing further spread.
“We’re using every ounce of water we can,” Hewitson said.
As a result of the fire nearly 4,000 BC Hydro customers in the area were left without power.
However, crews are on scene working to restore power to the impacted area east of 206th Street, north of Glover Road, south of 81A Avenue, and west of 216th Street.
No word yet when the problem will be corrected.
Meanwhile, local realtor David Smith – who resides in Walnut Grove – said he learned of the blaze after his phone started buzzing with messages and multimedia from his colleagues in real estate.
Smith couldn’t confirm where the fire originated, but said there is speculation it started at the Alexander Square condominium complex.
“I think the most important thing is that people are safe,” he said.
“I really do hope everyone is okay,” he further emphasized.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.
#langleyfire happy to credit who's ever video this was. Shared by a friend of mine pic.twitter.com/K87jt3nlJ5
— Conditional First (@number_1_dunner) April 20, 2021
#langley #fire #willoughby pic.twitter.com/tN4KMPr3AL
— Flo (@floraxiaart) April 20, 2021
Huge fire in #langley at the corner of 80th and 208th. I hope everyone is OK!!! pic.twitter.com/vmskkXvWT3
— Antonio Vendramin (@Vendram1n) April 20, 2021
Big condo fire right by me but it’s not us! #langley pic.twitter.com/iSnOVZ5Cf2
— Danielle (@as_per_danielle) April 20, 2021
@JotiGrewal_joti.grewal@blackpress.ca Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Fire crews continued to dowse a condo unit Tuesday morning after a massive overnight fire Monday, April 19, 2021. (Matthew Claxton/Langley Advance Times)
Fire consumed a condo development project under construction at 208th Street and 80th Avenue Monday night. Many spectators shared their images. (Daniel Gerstner/Instagram: @gerstner/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Fire consumed a condo development project under construction at 208th Street and 80th Avenue Monday night. Many spectators shared their images. (Daniel Gerstner/Instagram: @gerstner/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Fire consumed a condo development project under construction at 208th Street and 80th Avenue Monday night. Many spectators shared their images. (Daniel Gerstner/Instagram: @gerstner/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Fire consumed a condo development project under construction at 208th Street and 80th Avenue Monday night. Many spectators shared their images. (Daniel Gerstner/Instagram: @gerstner/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Fire consumed a condo development project under construction at 208th Street and 80th Avenue Monday night. Many spectators shared their images. (Daniel Gerstner/Instagram: @gerstner/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Fire consumed a condo development project under construction at 208th Street and 80th Avenue Monday night. Many spectators shared their images. (Daniel Gerstner/Instagram: @gerstner/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Firefighters were called to a battle a massive blaze at a condo building under construction at 208th and 80th Avenue on Monday night (April 19, 2021) around 10 p.m. (Rob Wilton/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Langley Advance Times
Fire and police were on scene of a massive condo fire in Willoughby on Monday night (April 19, 2021). Many various spectators shared images of the horrific blaze. (Rob Wilton/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Fire consumed a condo development project under construction at 208th Street and 80th Avenue Monday night. Many spectators shared their images. (Daniel Gerstner/Instagram: @gerstner/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Fire consumed a condo development project under construction at 208th Street and 80th Avenue Monday night. Many spectators shared their images. (Daniel Gerstner/Instagram: @gerstner/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Firefighters were called to a battle a massive blaze at a condo building under construction at 208th and 80th Avenue on Monday night (April 19, 2021) around 10 p.m. (Rob Wilton/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Fire consumed a condo development project under construction at 208th Street and 80th Avenue Monday night. Many spectators shared their images. (Ryan Thivierge/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Firefighters were called to a battle a massive blaze at a condo building under construction at 208th and 80th Avenue on Monday night (April 19, 2021) around 10 p.m. (Rob Wilton/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Firefighters were called to a battle a massive blaze at a condo building under construction at 208th and 80th Avenue on Monday night (April 19, 2021) around 10 p.m. (Rob Wilton/Special to Langley Advance Times)
(Wayne Eeckhout)
