16 displaced after Surrey house fire

Sixteen people were displaced after a structure fire at a home in Surrey’s Whalley neighbourhood Sunday afternoon, Surrey Fire Service says.

Assistant Fire Chief Mike McNamara said crews arriving at the house on 125B Street near 104 Avenue found heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof and side of the building.

Five of the 16 residents were initially unaccounted for. Firefighters began attacking the fire from outside after the landlord confirmed that everyone had left the home. McNamara said the home’s clay roof collapsed because of water.

The cause remains under investigation. Surrey Police Service told CityNews the fire did not appear suspicious, and no injuries have been reported.