Owner seeks answers after Langley’s historic Little Red House burns

The owner of Langley’s historic McIver House, known locally as the Little Red House, is seeking further investigation after the nearly 140-year-old landmark was destroyed by fire Thursday.

Rob Rindt, who is also a Langley Township councillor, said he was out of town when the fire began and received updates and photos from neighbours. He said the home had no electrical or gas service connected, and that neighbours reported seeing a group of children walking on the street around 11:30 p.m.

Rindt believes the fire was suspicious and says he has been speaking with Langley RCMP about further investigation. Police said they had no information at this stage to suggest the fire was suspicious.

The home stood in a Glen Valley field and was a familiar subject for photographers and painters. The Langley Heritage Society said it had deteriorated over time, while Rindt said contractors estimated restoration to heritage condition would cost millions of dollars.

Residents have continued to visit the site since the fire. Rindt said the remains will stay in place for several weeks so people can take photographs before the structure is demolished.