Home / Disasters and Accidents / Port Alberni Service B.C. Gutted by Suspicious Fire
Port Alberni Service B.C. Gutted by Suspicious Fire
22 Jul
Summary
- A suspicious fire extensively damaged the Service B.C. building.
- Vital government services for vulnerable populations are now inaccessible.
- The closest alternative service location is a 50-kilometer drive away.
An early morning fire on Tuesday has left the Service B.C. building in Port Alberni, B.C., extensively damaged. The blaze, which began just after 4 a.m. PT, required the response of four fire departments. No injuries have been reported, but fire officials have deemed the incident suspicious. The building's roof collapsed, destroying the offices within, including Service B.C., the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, and ICBC.
Cindy McAnerin of the Kuu-Us Crisis Line expressed significant worry about the impact on vulnerable community members. Service B.C. provides critical services such as licensing, Medical Services Plan (MSP) applications, and income assistance and disability applications. The closure affects not only Port Alberni residents but also those from surrounding rural communities who already travel considerable distances for these essential services.
The next closest Service B.C. office is located 50 kilometers away in Parksville. This poses a significant barrier, especially with income assistance day approaching, when many individuals need to collect their cheques in person. The province has stated that ICBC services will be relocated to Nanaimo, and efforts are underway to quickly secure alternative locations for Service B.C.
