City of Cranbrook reports that electrical repair crews, including staff with BC Hydro, were on scene all afternoon conducting repairs to the electrical panel at Mesa Grove trailer park following a fire last night that forced about 30 residents from their homes.

Repairs were to be completed late in the afternoon  (Feb. 5), with residents being allowed back to their homes between 6 and 7 p.m. tonight.

Investigators suspect that due to the extreme cold and a very likely heavy use of heating appliances, including space heaters, caused the panel to overload and catch fire.  However, a definitive cause cannot be determined.

Upon return home tonight, Mesa Grove residents will be instructed to be cautious and careful when turning on lights, heaters and other electrical appliances as to not possibly bring the power down again, the city reported.

The possibility does exist that as these homes warm up, some may experience flooding due to frozen pipes thawing. Those residents who may experience flooding due to frozen pipes must contact their home insurance company.

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