Man burned, businesses damaged after fire erupts in Surrey’s Guildford area

Crews are seen responding to a fire in Surrey, B.C., in a traffic camera image.

Firefighters say a man suffered “significant burns” after flames erupted at a commercial building in Surrey’s Guildford neighbourhood on Friday morning.

The Surrey Fire Service told CTV News crews were called to 104 Avenue and 154 Street around 9:30 a.m. on Good Friday, and arrived to find heavy black smoke coming from the roof of the property.

Asst. Deputy Chief Rich Bodnark said the incident was quickly upgraded to a three-alarm fire, with a total of 52 firefighters and 22 trucks dispatched to help douse the flames.

“At this point I can say there will be extensive damage to the building,” Bodnark said.

Authorities said one person was injured, and was transported from the scene by paramedics.

“Crews on scene treated him and he was rushed to hospital with significant burns to his hands and face,” Bodnark said.

Images and videos posted to social media show a plume of dark smoke over the area.

The building, which is located close to Guildford Town Centre, houses a number of businesses, including a health clinic, a massage clinic and a cellphone store.

It’s unclear how the fire might have started. Bodnark said crews still had much work to do before investigators could begin looking into potential causes.

“Now what we’re doing is we’re putting out hotspots in those tight, narrow spaces within the walls and the roof structure,” he said. “We’re hours and hours away.”

Authorities have asked drivers to avoid the area while the firefighting effort is ongoing.