Highway 95A re-opened

The flames have died down on Highway 95A outside the City of Kimberley after a fire broke out earlier this morning in a tri-plex, engulfing the structure and spreading to trees on the property.

Five people escaped without injuries and are now staying with friends and family.

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations fire crews and RCMP responded immediately with three forestry ground crews and a helicopter. Forestry crews are currently conducting final ground inspections checking for hot spots and the site will be monitored through the night.

Approximately 300 customers are without power in the Meadowbrook area after the fire damaged a BC Hydro power pole. The pole, which is now leaning and creating a safety risk, will be replaced by BC Hydro crews who are already on scene working on it.

Highway 95A was re-opened at about 4:15 p.m.

Fortis BC is on site to turn off gas service to the affected property.

The home, which is located approximately one kilometre east of Kimberley, is located outside a fire protection zone. That meant, due to insurance reasons that the Kimberley Fire Department could not respond.

“They’re probably pacing about their station right now,” noted Kimberley RCMP Detachment Cpl. Chris Newell, who controlled the scene shortly after the fire was reported.

Newell called the Ministry of Forests, which dispatched a crew to contain the scene. The officer was thanked by at least one neighbouring property owner for the way he handled the scene.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

The destroyed building was once a Texaco, as well as a motel and butcher’s before becoming a tri-plex.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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