A large blaze in downtown Smithers has gutted two businesses.
At about 4 a.m., the Smithers Volunteer Fire Department was called to the fire in the 1000-block of Main Street. The fire is now contained, and no one was injured, but it did destroy one large building, a furniture store, before spreading to an adjacent building and law firm that borders the new Bovill Square and stage. That area was only opened last Friday night to mark 100 years of Smithers history.
Cleanup work is now beginning. Three units have been returned to the Smithers Fire Hall and the Village of Telkwa Fire Department who provided mutual aid and assistance in the fire.
“This is a tragic loss for two local business owners and for our whole community. We are thankful that the fire is now under control and most importantly that there have been no injuries,” said Mayor Taylor Bachrach.
About 50 members of the fire department remain on scene, and it is believed their quick actions prevented damage to the new stage at Bovill Square.
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The Broadway intersection at Main Street will remain closed and Hydro will remain off for the 1000 Block. BC Hydro is currently working on establishing power to the Northwest side of Main Street from Broadway Avenue to Highway 16 as a number of businesses have been impacted by the power outage.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
The Town of Smithers said the remainder of the week’s Centennial Homecoming events scheduled for Bovill Square are being relocated to Central Park located at the foot of Main Street and Highway 16. Centennial event information will be posted at Smithers2013.com and the Centennial Facebook page.
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