CBC News – Fire department still investigating blaze that started in nearby restaurant
The two-alarm fire began at about 10:30 p.m. PT Sunday, in a nearby Mexican restaurant, La Conquistadora, according to the Surrey fire department.
Officials are still investigating the cause, and treating it as suspicious until they know otherwise.
The Mexican restaurant was also damaged in the fire, as were two downstairs units rented by a church and non-profit organization helping African immigrants.
Patience Nyoni from the Afro-Canadian Positive Network of B.C. said she was already considering leaving the neighbourhood before the fire, but rent is cheap.
“Right now it’s so scary, when I look at this building right now … Whalley is not a safe place anyway to work,” said Nyoni.
ACP-Net is vacating their office this week as smoke and water damage has rendered the building unsafe to work in. Though insurance will assist in replacing much the damaged items ACP-Net would appreciate any help that people can offer, whether in helping in the move with supplies, furniture or donations through their Canada Helps webpage.