About 30 residents of Mesa Grove Trailer Park spent the night at the Heritage Inn Tuesday after a fire left residences at the trailer park in Cranbrook without power – during one of the coldest nights of the winter.

Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services received the call at 7:49 p.m. on Feb. 4, with 10 firefighters responding. The fire was confined to a large electrical panel located in a vault on the Mesa Grove property at 2025 Kootenay Street North affecting all 52 units.

Responders went door-to-door to ensure all residents were safe and aware of the issue. Residents were also advised that there would be no power for the night and likely most of the day Wednesday until the electrical panel was repaired.

Due to the very cold temperatures expected overnight and lack of heat in most residences, emergency officials activated the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) which allows for the evacuation of those affected residents and allowed for the opening of an emergency shelter at the Heritage Inn, coordinated by Emergency Social Services (ESS).

No cause or damage estimate is currently available. Officials will attend the scene Wednesday morning to conduct their investigation.

Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services wish to note the incredible support of the ESS through Anita Charest at the Regional District of East Kootenay and her team. It was greatly appreciated.

Officials also acknowledge the resilience, understanding and helpfulness of the residents of Mesa Grove during the event. No one had any complaints, all were very understanding of the issue and many residents assisted responders in notifying other residents of Mesa Grove of the fire and the emergency shelter set up at the Heritage Inn.

The owner of the complex is meeting with insurance providers this morning. The insurance company will be looking after the needs of the residents affected going forward today.

Investigators are expected to be back on scene this morning.

City of Cranbrook

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