A young man was transported by air ambulance to the hospital with severe injuries following a residential fire in Surrey, B.C., on Friday evening. Surrey Fire Chief Jeff Klaassen reported that the individual sustained second and third-degree burns, while two others were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene by B.C. Emergency Health Services.
The fire, located on Jersey Drive in Cloverdale, prompted a swift response from 25 firefighters and 12 trucks around 4:40 p.m. on Friday. Klaassen mentioned that the house exhibited significant structural damage, likely resulting from an explosion that occurred before the arrival of emergency responders.
Despite the limited fire intensity, Klaassen praised the firefighters for quickly extinguishing the flames. Nearby resident Joshua Parkinson described the incident as a sudden explosion that shook the area, prompting him to alert emergency services immediately.
Surrey Police Service confirmed their presence at the scene and clarified that the fire is being investigated without suspicion of foul play. A police statement released on Saturday indicated that the injured man is expected to recover but remains under medical care.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion and fire will be led by the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit, with support from fire investigators and forensic services. Members of the public with relevant information are urged to contact the SPS non-emergency line or Crime Stoppers, referencing file number 26-1201 (SU).
