October 3, 2008

RCMP Media Relations

Little remains of the multi-million-dollar Quattro 2 condominium project in Surrey.

Massive blaze destroys Quattro 2 condo still under construction

Richard Gilbert

staff writer

A part of the largest multi-phase condominium development ever in Surrey, B.C. is little more than rubble after a massive fire consumed the unfinished worksite.

The $625-million Quattro condominium project, billed as Surrey's largest-ever residential and commercial project, was to be constructed in six phases. The plan called for 11,000 units on four hectares of land in North Whalley.

“On October 1, 2008, shortly before 4 p.m., workers at a building construction site on 107A Avenue and 138th Street observed what they believed to be a fire,” stated a report by Sgt. Roger Morrow, RCMP media relations.

“As two workers went about the building, a police officer making patrols in the area also noted smoke emanating from the structure.”

The workers and the police patrol both raised the alarm about the fire.

“As the fire continued to develop, workers on site were busy checking for fellow employees and police personnel were also converging on the scene,” continued Morrow.

“With two buildings to the south being in danger, a police officer went to them to alert residents. Upon his return to his police vehicle, the heat was already so intense that the vehicle was melting.”

As the police officer retreated from the area in his vehicle, he received minor burns to his face and neck. Every construction worker at the site got out and no one was injured.

Eleven fire crews were deployed to battle the fire and some firefighters suffered smoke inhalation.

Fire crews managed to save phase 1 of the project, but second phase was destroyed.

During the peak of the blaze, flames shot into the sky and set the operator’s box of a crane on fire.

The stability of the large crane may have been compromised, so some people were not allowed to return to their homes.

The fire caused a power outage that affected more than 4,000 BC Hydro customers. About 100 customers were cut off from phone and internet service.

Morrow said a fire was noted in the building days prior to yesterday’s fire, but police are not in a position to comment further on this incident as it has been incorporated into the investigation of this fire.

“As may well be appreciated, there are a large number of people that will need to be spoken to: tradesmen, area residents and staff of businesses.”

“In the days and weeks to come, it is hoped that a scene will emerge providing investigators a more clear picture of what has taken place,” Morrow said.

Residents were expected to start moving into the Quattro 2 in about 10 months, while the neighbouring Quattro 1 building, which suffered some heat damage as a result of the towering flames, was set to open next month.

The structure, viewed as a key part in the revitalization of Whalley, was covered by insurance and will be rebuilt.

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