Surrey house fire displaces 5 residents for Christmas

Five Surrey residents won't be able to enjoyChristmas at home this year, after a house fire early Wednesday morning.

The fire began a little before 1 a.m. in the 12500-block of 90 Avenue.

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Surrey Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Reo Jerome said crews arrived on 90 Avenueto find heavy smoke billowing from the two-suite home.

Jerome saidthere were smoke alarms sounding on bothfloors, andall five residents were able to make it safely out of the house.

"The fire was in the rear of the residence, so the crews knocked the fire down, but it started to travel in the floor between the first and second floor," said Jerome.

The house sustained considerable fire,smoke,and water damage, but crews were able to get at the fire before it got out of control.

"It's not gutted, there's just charring between the first and the second floor in the joist space," said Jerome.

The Battalion Chief said the residents wouldn't be able to get back into their homes until a restoration company was finished repairing the damage.

"I don't think they'll be back in forChristmas, no. They'll be staying with neighbours and relatives."