Man charged after B.C. barn erupts in flames with animals inside

CTV News

09-06-2025

Flames are seen at a barn fire in Langley Township on Friday, June 6, 2025. (Handout)
Days after a barn fire that sent dark smoke over B.C.'s Lower Mainland, a suspect has been charged with arson and other offences.
The fire was reported in Langley Township around 11:45 a.m. Friday, prompting an emergency response that included a large RCMP presence.
On Monday, Langley RCMP confirmed there were animals in the barn when it erupted in flames, and that some of them were killed.
'The Township of Langley Fire Department tried their best to save as many as they could,' Sgt. Zynal Sharoom told CTV News.
Authorities could not confirm what kind of animals were in the barn, or how many of them died.
Officers arrested Langley resident Christopher Gerald William England in connection with the fire on Sunday.
'This arrest is the result of diligent investigative work and coordinated response by our officers and partner agencies,' said Sharoom, in a statement.
England is facing several criminal charges, including arson damaging property, assault with a weapon, assault, causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal, mischief, and obstructing police.
In a news release, Langley RCMP said its investigation uncovered 'grounds to believe the fire had been deliberately set,' but did not provide any further details.
Online court records show England has a bail hearing scheduled for Tuesday.