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Fire impacts Terrace encampment by CN railway tracks

“I noticed the entire camp was on fire going by,” says morning commuter.
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The fire was witnessed by morning commuters on their way to work. The driver slowed down enough for one passenger to take pictures. (Submitted photo/Trent West-Johnson)

The Terrace Standard confirmed that firefighters responded to a fire on Wednesday morning (June 15) in proximity to where a number of people have been camping by the CN railway tracks, adjacent to the old Skeena Bridge. RCMP and a CN crew were also on the scene.

People were seen carrying their belongings away from the site as smoke and fire could be seen by commuters crossing the Dudley Little Bridge.

“It all happened quickly as I was on my way out of town for work. I saw a plume of black smoke as I was coming up to the roundabout from Thornhill,” said Trent West-Johnson.

“I kept my eyes on the smoke as we neared the bridge… I noticed the entire camp was on fire going by.”

Terrace Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Dave Jephson described it as a brush fire that impacted the encampment.

City of Terrace spokesperson Kate Lautens said the fire was quickly contained by firefighters who responded in about 4 minutes.

Terrace RCMP and fire department reported that upon their attendance, there were no occupants at the camp and no known injuries as a result of the incident.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Police said nothing suspicious was observed. Lautens confirmed some belongings were damaged in the fire.

The land where this occurred is owned by the city. Lautens said the bylaw and parks, recreation and culture departments will look at cleaning it up next week.


 


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michael.willcock@terracestandard.com