Home / Disasters and Accidents / Penticton Cancels Emergency After Care Home Fire
Penticton Cancels Emergency After Care Home Fire
4 Jun
Summary
- Evacuation order lifted and local emergency cancelled by Penticton.
- Fire destroyed a construction site for a 200-bed long-term care facility.
- Investigation into the fire continues, with a focus on safety risks.
The City of Penticton has rescinded its state of local emergency and lifted an evacuation order that was issued approximately one week ago. This action follows a significant fire that completely destroyed the construction site of a planned long-term care facility located at 453 Green Avenue.
The fire, reported last Wednesday, halted the development of the three-storey structure intended to provide 200 much-needed beds for seniors in the region. B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne described the event as devastating for seniors awaiting care.
Authorities, including the RCMP and local fire department, are continuing their investigation into the cause of the fire. Concerns had previously been raised about an unstable crane at the site, but emergency operations confirmed the crane is now stable and can remain until a demolition plan is in place.
While Highway 97 is expected to reopen soon, Green Avenue will remain closed indefinitely. City officials expressed sympathy for those affected and thanked evacuees for their patience during the safety assessment.
