A large fire broke out in a commercial building in Surrey, British Columbia, near the Guildford Mall on April 18, 2025, sending one person to the hospital with serious burns. The fire ignited around 8:30 a.m. local time, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
According to Surrey Fire Services Assistant Deputy Chief Rich Bodnark, a total of 22 fire trucks and 52 firefighters were dispatched to tackle the blaze, which was located on 104th Avenue near 153rd Street. The fire impacted several businesses within the structure, including a learning center, a cellular unit repair store, and a health clinic.
“There is a learning center in this building that’s been lost,” Bodnark stated. “We’ve lost a cellular unit repair store. There’s also a health clinic that is in this particular commercial building.” The damage to these businesses is expected to have a significant impact on the local community.
As firefighting efforts continued, Bodnark noted that parts of the roof had collapsed, complicating the situation for the firefighters on the scene. “Fire suppressions, both aerial and internal, are offsetting each other and currently, are continuing,” he explained around 12:30 p.m. on the same day.
One individual was treated for significant burns at the scene and subsequently transported to the hospital by ambulance. Fortunately, Bodnark mentioned that many businesses were closed due to the Good Friday holiday, which likely mitigated the number of potential casualties.
“We need to thank the fire crews that were on scene; they work diligently,” Bodnark added. “In addition, I just want to think about the people that have been displaced today, the businesses that will suffer from this loss of fire.”
As the situation developed, police closed off several blocks around the intersection of 104 Avenue and 154 Street, a busy area of Guildford near Highway 1, to facilitate firefighting efforts and investigations. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials working to determine how it started.
Residents and commuters in Surrey were advised to avoid the area as emergency crews worked to control the situation. The intersection is expected to remain closed for several hours, causing traffic disruptions in the vicinity.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by emergency services in urban areas, particularly when responding to large fires that threaten both lives and businesses. The community is now left to grapple with the aftermath and the loss of local services that many relied upon.
As the investigation unfolds, local authorities will likely provide updates on the cause of the fire and any further developments regarding the recovery efforts for the affected businesses and individuals. Community members are encouraged to support those impacted by the fire, as many will face challenges in the coming days and weeks.
This developing story continues to evolve, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the community and assisting those affected by this unfortunate event.
