Apartment building in Tumbler Ridge ‘fully engulfed’ by fire

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Law enforcement in Tumbler Ridge are investigating the cause of a fire which fully engulfed an apartment building. 

On June 7th, the RCMP in Tumbler Ridge and the surrounding areas, the Tumbler Ridge Fire Department, the BC Wildfire Service and Conuma Resources mine rescue teams responded to the scene of a major structure fire in Tumbler Ridge. 

According to corporal Jared Chapman, who drove into Tumbler Ridge to assist, an apartment building consisting of between 60 and 70 units has been “fully engulfed.”

The cause of the blaze is currently unknown, and the structure is “completely gone” as a result of the blaze.

As of 8:38 p.m. on June 7th, there are no known casualties, however an investigation of the scene will need to be conducted to confirm. 

The District of Tumbler Ridge posted on Facebook about the fire, encouraging residents displaced by the incident to register with Emergency Support Services (ESS) at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre located at 340 Front Street. Even those residents who do not need lodgings are requested to register. 

ESS will be open until 11 p.m. on June 7th, and will re-open at 9 p.m. on June 8th. 

The district also requested everyone stay away from the area, and say there is no threat of an evacuation of the community at the moment. 

“We understand that this is a terrible and emotional loss, and that some may be trying to retrieve pets or belongings, but the structure is extremely unsafe, and entry is strictly prohibited for everyone’s safety,” the district wrote. 

Energeticcity.ca will update this story as more information becomes available.