A multi-storey building under construction was destroyed by fire, mayor says

A construction project in the downtown core of Langley Township, B.C., has been destroyed by a fire that began early Sunday morning and continued into the afternoon.

Police say they were called to the multi-storey construction site at 4:13 a.m. Sunday after receiving a report of a fire. 

Langley RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Zynal Sharoom says several neighbouring residential buildings have been evacuated, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The mayor of Langley Township says it's "terrible" to see that the building has been destroyed by fire.

Eric Woodward says in a social media post that the flames were still ongoing at 2 p.m. on Sunday, and a photo he shared on social media shows the heavily damaged building with burnt-out floors and charred beams, while heavy smoke still lingered in the air.

Woodward says this fire is also an "unfortunate reminder" to ask people to keep up with public safety, including adequate staffing and ongoing safety training.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — RCMP