Investigators probe strip mall fire in Surrey, B.C.

Surrey businesses destroyed by fire The new year got off to a devastating start for several businesses in Surrey.

Police are investigating after an overnight fire damaged multiple businesses at a strip mall in Surrey, B.C.

Approximately two dozen firefighters and seven fire trucks were called to the blaze in the 10600 block of 135A Street in the city's Whalley neighbourhood around 10:45 p.m. Wednesday.

"There was just thick, black smoke billowing out,” said Maureen Price, who noticed the fire burning from her nearby apartment window.

Price said she then saw “massive flames” start “shooting out” of the building.

No injuries were reported following the incident and the fire does not appear to be suspicious, Surrey Police Service spokesperson Ian MacDonald said following a preliminary investigation Thursday.

"Currently there doesn’t appear to be any criminal involvement," MacDonald said.

"This could change based on subsequent evidence or information, but for now this is strictly a Surrey Fire Service matter."

Before firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, the flames tore through a restaurant, a tea shop and an immigration support services centre.

"A lot of people will be denied our services, and we're just a non-profit organization," Joe Ehizode, president of the Edo Friends of British Columbia Association, said following the fire.

"This is going to be a great loss to us," he added.

The fire was already raging when crews arrived at the scene, and they faced “tactical challenges” due to a broken gas line at the rear of the building, said Rich Bodnark, assistant deputy chief with the Surrey Fire Service.

Firefighters had to shut off the gas before attacking the fire, but managed to douse the flames quickly and prevent further spread after that, Bodnark said.

Investigators remained on scene Thursday morning to try to determine the cause of the blaze.

Three days earlier, an apparent explosion and fire damaged a strip mall in neighbouring Coquitlam.

Firefighters in that city were called early Sunday morning after black smoke and shattered glass were discovered outside a business plaza at 341 North Rd.

There were no injuries reported in the incident but several businesses sustained fire and smoke damage.

With files from CTV News Vancouver's Abigail Turner