A Sunday blaze in Surrey’s Newton area caused major rear damage to a commercial building, but no injuries were reported.
Blaze Breaks Out in Newton: Swift Response Prevents Greater Loss
A calm Sunday morning in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood was disrupted by a significant fire, but quick action by first responders kept the situation from escalating.
Fire Erupts at Local Business Hub
Shortly before 8 a.m. on Sunday, emergency crews rushed to a commercial property near 71A Avenue and 134th Street after reports of heavy smoke and flames. According to Assistant Deputy Chief Rich Bodnark of the Surrey Fire Service, the fire was concentrated at the rear of the building, where crews encountered intense smoke and flames upon arrival.
Coordinated Effort Contains the Blaze
Firefighters launched an aggressive exterior attack, focusing on suppressing the flames and protecting neighbouring properties with large volumes of water. In total, 28 firefighters, nine trucks, and multiple emergency teams worked together to contain the incident. Bodnark highlighted the effectiveness of their strategy: “From the front, you wouldn’t even know a fire had occurred.” Thanks to their efforts, the majority of the damage was limited to the building’s rear, sparing the front businesses and preventing the fire from spreading further.
Evacuations and Community Impact
With help from the Surrey Police Service, residents in adjacent mixed-use buildings were safely evacuated before the fire crews arrived. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all occupants were accounted for.
Local business owners, like Chadd Sinclair of Community Board Shop, expressed shock and concern over the aftermath. Sinclair’s shop, located at the front, suffered smoke and water damage, while the rear residential units, including his sister’s apartment, were severely affected. The community hub now faces uncertainty as repairs and recovery begin.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities are working to determine how the blaze began while supporting those affected as they navigate the aftermath.. What started as a quiet Sunday in Newton quickly turned into a test of teamwork and resilience-see how first responders and the community rallied to keep a bad situation from getting worse.
