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Murray Green residents returning home

Majority of units have been restored following a massive May 17 fire at a neighbouring construction site
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The east wall of the Murray Green condominium complex was badly damaged in a fire that destroyed a neighbouring construction site in the early hours of Sunday, May 17. According to Langley's emergency co-ordinator, much of the restoration work has been completed, meaning many residents are able to return home.

Most residents affected by the massive fire that melted the east wall of the Murray Green complex on May 17 are now getting back to their homes, said Langley Emergency Program co-ordinator Ginger Sherlock.

There were between eight to 12 units impacted by the fire in Murrayville, she estimates. The restoration company has the exact number, she said.

One or two units have severe damage. But the restoration company has managed to fix the other units and have them ready for re-occupancy, she believes.

The Langley Emergency Program opened the reception centre at the WC Blair Pool the night of the fire, when 150 people were evacuated from their homes around 4 a.m.

The neighbouring apartment complex under construction went up like match sticks, causing the fire to spread to one wall of the Murray Green condo complex.

As Township firefighters tried to contain the fire, police officers were having to kick down doors of residents who weren’t leaving when the fire alarm went off at about 4 a.m. Most were fast asleep.

At least 20 people were displaced from their homes at Murray Green because of the fire.

Quickly, the Langley community sprang into action wanting to help.

London Drugs Langley had several of their employees live in Murray Green so they were taking donations at the till. Kim Snow of Kimz Angels was co-ordinating and picking up donations.

But then she learned no furniture donations were needed at this time.

Most of the fire victims had contents insurance, Sherlock believes.

The blaze is still considered suspicious, but Langley RCMP have nothing new to update the public with.

Sherlock said the fire is a good reminder for people to always leave when the fire alarm goes off.

But before you leave, take your pets, medication, wallet, phone and phone charger with you.



Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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