LANGLEY, B.C. – A spokesman with the Langley RCMP says investigators have determined a house fire that closed off a neighbourhood in the city was caused by an explosion.

Sgt. Zynal Sharoom says the fire spread and caused damage to other nearby homes in the Langley, B.C., neighbourhood, but he couldn’t give the exact number of residences affected.

BC Emergency Health Services says in a statement that paramedics provided emergency treatment to two patients at the scene.

It says the two were transferred by air ambulance helicopters to hospital in critical condition.

RCMP say the fire was reported Friday morning, and officers along with firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene in the 7300 block of 196 Street.

Homes in the surrounding area were evacuated and police say there is also an “indefinite road closure” on 196 Street between 72 and 74 avenues, as well as along several side streets as the investigation continues.

Drivers are being told to find other routes past the site, and police are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to reach out.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 28, 2025.