Fire damages family home in Langley

Firefighters responded at about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, to a house fire on Fernridge Crescent near 22 Avenue in south Langley. Langley Township fire crews arriving first reported substantial smoke and flames coming from the building.

Several residents were home when the fire began, but no injuries were reported, Township deputy fire chief Russ Jenkins said. The department dispatched about 10 vehicles and extinguished the fire, leaving shortly after 11:30 p.m. The home sustained considerable damage, Jenkins said, though the structure remained standing.

The following day, social-media posts by William Spencer identified him and his family as the home’s residents and said the cause was electrical. Spencer said his cat, Nubby, disappeared during the fire and asked people to keep watch for it.

The family has started a GoFundMe campaign with a $9,000 goal while looking for a rental home. Spencer said the family is currently staying in a hotel, has received many offers of furniture and clothing, and will follow up once they have a new place to live. He also said the city has provided food cards and other assistance.