Drug investigators take over after suspicious explosion in Aldergrove B.C.

RCMP drug investigators have taken over the case of a suspicious explosion and fire in AldergroveB.C. early Wednesday morning that senttwo men to hospital with severe burns.

Police suspect there may have been an "butane extraction site" set up in the garage of the townhouse complex in the Aldergrovearea of Langley, B.C.

Butane flame can beused in a drug lab to extract oil frommarijuana.

Township of Langleyfire crews were called to the Creekside Estates in the 27100-block of 31A Avenue around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday,after multiple people phoned 911 with reports of anexplosion anda large fire in the building.

"Because of the explosion the damage to this building is very extreme," said Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Ferguson. "It does appear suspicious in nature."

Ferguson said the three-alarm fire displaced three other families.

Police are now waiting for a structural engineer to determine if re-entry is safe. Counselling is being provided for the people affected by the explosion.

Cats rescued from fire

Candace Muller escaped the fire with her husband and several of their pets.

"I looked and there was great big shooting flames coming out of the garage next door. It was huge," said Muller, who said she has lived in the building for around 30 years.

"I was terrified ... but we got away as quickly as we could."

Muller said she was thankful the fire department went back inside torescue her pet cats,Romeo, Dakota, Draco, Coda and Muesli.

"They seem to be doing okay," she said. "Coda not so much he's hiding down there at the foot of the truck cause he's terrified."