The City of Penticton has rescinded the evacuation order for the properties impacted by the Green Avenue structure fire. Affected addresses include 375, 395, 399, 402, 410, 420, 430, 435, 440, and 450 Green Avenue West. The State of Local Emergency has also been lifted.
The RCMP, in coordination with the Penticton Fire Department, will continue their investigation into the cause of the fire. All investigation related communications will now be led by the RCMP.
“We would like to express our sympathies to those who have been impacted by this incident and want to thank the evacuees for their patience over the last week while we worked with officials to ensure the area is safe, “says Kristen Dixon, Emergency Operations Centre Director. “We have now received confirmation that the crane is stable and can remain in place while the site contractor creates a plan to dismantle the structure.”
While the evacuation order has been lifted, access to the area is still restricted and the public is asked to continue avoiding the area to allow crews and investigators to safely complete their response and investigation efforts.
Highway 97 will be fully re-opened as soon as possible. Green Avenue will remain closed until further notice.
“The City of Penticton extends its sincere thanks to Emergency Support Services, Penticton Fire Department, RCMP, and all responding agencies for their swift, coordinated response to the Green Avenue fire,” says Mayor Bloomfield.
Current Situation Summary
• The evacuation order and State of Local Emergency have been lifted
• Green Avenue construction will resume but the highway will fully re-open as soon as possible
• The RCMP and the Penticton Fire Department will continue their investigation
For the most up-to-date information, visit penticton.ca, follow the City on social media (@cityofpenticton), or sign up for Penticton Alert at www.penticton.ca/alerts.