Crews working on the conversion of a Langley industrial facility into a film and television production space caused multiple fires at the Walnut Grove site, an investigation by the Township fire department has determined.
The first time firefighters were called to the building at 98 Avenue and 198B Street in Walnut Grove was on Thursday (Aug. 10) shortly after 12 noon.
Assistant Township fire chief Pat Walker said sparks from a welder who was modifying the structure of the building got into a narrow space between two walls of the structure, triggering a fire and setting off the sprinkler system.
It appeared the workers were adding metal brackets for hanging lights, Walker said.
The construction crews were advised by firefighters to wet down the work area while carrying out welding as required under the BC Fire Code, which calls for dampening down during welding, soldering, grinding or any activities involving open flame.
Two days later, on Saturday around 3 p.m., there was another welding-related fire in another part of the building.
Six fire department units along with multiple police and ambulance responded.
Firefighters had to rip out plywood walls to get at the smouldering blaze and extinguish it.
Walker said it appeared the building was formerly used to manufacture fiberglass parts for trucks and Skytrains.
No one was hurt in either fire. No charges are expected.
Two insurance companies are also investigating.