People near Fernie ice rink allowed to return to homes
An evacuation order has been lifted for a number of homes near the Fernie ice arena where three people were killed by an ammonia leak last week.
Some 55 homes near the Fernie Memorial Arena had been evacuated after the deadly leak was discovered Tuesday morning. Three individuals were killed: two city employees and an employee of the refrigeration company that serviced the rink.
“The situation at the arena has stabilized and the experts on scene are now comfortable that there is no longer an ammonia threat at the arena,” Fernie Fire Chief Ted Ruiter said Sunday.
“It is now safe for residents to return home and the on-scene investigation to continue.”
The arena and the community centre, however, will remain closed to the public.
Ruiter said crews on site would now turn their attention to cleaning up and monitoring the area’s air quality.
“Although residents may notice an intermittent ammonia odour near the arena, we want to assure them there are no risks or health hazards,” he said.
Provincial disaster support workers will remain in Fernie to assist residents. The free service is accessible at 250489-9677.
The information line with recorded updates is still available at 1-855-346-2188.