The City of Kimberley has released an update on the fire that occurred at the Kimberley Public Works Yard on Christmas Eve.

The Kimberley Fire Department was alerted to the fire at 4:07 p.m. while crews were preparing for the annual Santa Claus Tour. Unfortunately, the tour had to be cancelled, but having many members at the department ready to go helped ensure a rapid response.

Fire Chief Will Booth stated, “The swift action by our department members, along with community members who reported the fire, significantly reduced the fire’s impact. The department’s readiness and teamwork ensured the situation was brought under control quickly, preventing what could have been a much more serious event.”

At least four pieces of equipment were destroyed, including two tandem/dump trucks, a boom truck, and a mini excavator. Others are awaiting assessment for minor repairs and smoke damage.

The city is working with local equipment providers to source solid waste collection and snow removal equipment, if required, to maintain essential services. The building housing the equipment also sustained significant damage.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation but is not considered suspicious at this time. No injuries were reported.

Crews are out with sanders and plows as usual, clearing and sanding roads. The city is working with insurance adjusters to assess damage and determine next steps. The solid waste collection truck is awaiting assessment. Therefore, organics collection for the week of December 29 for all routes is cancelled.

The Route C garbage collection, which was rescheduled to Friday, January 2, will now be collected on Monday, January 5.

The city appreciates your patience as we assess the equipment and secure an alternate vehicle if needed. Recycling collection, conducted by GFL, is not affected. Please be reminded that the Kimberley Transfer Station is open 8:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m. every day except New Year’s Day.

We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we work through this situation, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on this incident and other city news, please visit www.Kimberley.ca or follow the city’s official social media pages.

The city does not monitor or respond to comments on community-run social media pages, so please rely on official channels for verified updates. If you need to report an operations issue, use the city’s online reporting portal by selecting “I want to… Report an Operations Issue” on our homepage.

City of Kimberley photos

City of Kimberley

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