After being displaced by fire at 155 Erickson Road on Saturday, Feb. 17, Phase 1 residents from the west-side of the building began returning to their homes Thursday (Feb. 22) afternoon.
The City of Campbell River Fire Department, alongside Building and Operations staff, have been working closely with displaced residents and the Strathcona Regional District Emergency Support Services (SRD ESS) program since the structure fire on Erickson Road on Feb. 17.
Prior to Thursday, residents on both the affected and unaffected sides of the building were allowed limited access to gather critical items and to prepare for re-occupation of the unaffected side of the building.
The fire occurred around 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning in two suites on the third floor of the building before spreading to the attic. Firefighters conducted search and rescue efforts on the third floor and five residents reportedly required assistance evacuating the building. Suites in the first and second floors were also searched but everyone had got out safely, with no injuries reported.
The Strathcona Regional District Emergency Support Services (ESS) program was activated and a reception centre to support the evacuated residents was established at the Campbell River Baptist Church.
Approximately 20 firefighters responded to the fire and mutual aid support was provided by the Oyster River Fire Department.
Support was also provided by RCMP, BC Emergency Health Services, BC Transit, Passage View Motel, ESS volunteers, and local taxi companies.