Residents of the Township of Langley were shaken up on Friday morning, February 28, 2025, as emergency services responded to a house fire and possible explosion at approximately 10:40 AM. The incident took place at a residence located in the 7300-block of 196 Street, prompting immediate evacuations and significant road closures.
Sgt. Zynal Sharoom with the Langley RCMP confirmed the incident was initially reported as an explosion, followed by fire alarms shortly thereafter. "The initial calls we received were for an explosion and then followed by a fire call. We believe they’re linked to each other," Sharoom stated. The chaos began when reports of thick smoke and flames reached authorities near 72 Avenue and 192 Street, leading first responders from the Langley Fire Department, Emergency Health Services, and the Langley RCMP to the scene.
Just under three hours after the initial call, two individuals were critically injured and had to be airlifted to the hospital. Rachelle Bown, public information officer with BC Emergency Health Services, provided details about the emergency response. "Four ambulances with primary care paramedics, one ambulance with advanced care paramedics, two advanced care paramedic responder units, and one paramedic supervisor responded to the scene," Bown explained. The patients were transported under the close watch of advanced medical team members for their transport to safety.
Authorities evacuated nearby homes as it was deemed necessary for public safety. Approximately 196 Street between 72nd and 74th Avenues was closed indefinitely, affecting other surrounding side streets as fire crews worked to contain the blaze and investigate the initial cause.
Photo and video footage taken from the scene displayed large flames and substantial smoke plumes visible across the Lower Mainland, indicating the severity of the situation. The fire was reported to be so intense it threatened the neighboring houses. Sgt. Sharoom noted, "There was the first one involved, and then due to the large heat source from the initial fire, it has affected neighboring residences, hence our precautions of road closures and evacuations."
Langley Township Deputy Fire Chief Russ Jenkins provided insights on the firefight and his department’s operations at the scene. He indicated firefighters were still battling the fire hours later, stating they "will be there for a good chunk of the day." Jenkins reiterated the need for community cooperation, saying, "Unfortunately, we have many people who love to come and have a look, but it makes our job more difficult getting in and out. We ask everyone to avoid the area, as we have substantial fire apparatus there."
Local law enforcement is also urging residents and motorists to stay clear of the vicinity, which has been heavily congested with emergency vehicles. Anyone with information about the fire is encouraged to reach out to the Langley RCMP, citing file number 2025-6044.
Although the investigation is still underway, authorities remain committed to agency cooperation as they attempt to determine the cause of the fire. Sgt. Sharoom stated, "The investigation is still in its infancy, and we are working closely with the Township of Langley Fire Department to determine the cause of this fire." The developments are part of efforts to reconcile community concerns over safety and the overall comprehension of what transpired on this tense morning.
For now, nearby residents are urged to remain vigilant, as responders continue their work. Updates on the investigation will be communicated as they become available, marking this day as impactful for many within the community.