The Hope
Standard
RCMP raise needed food bank donations 4
Office: 604.869.2421 www.hopestandard.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
news@hopestandard.com
2 DOZEN BARRELS
DUMPED IN LAIDLAW
Corrosive material found in one of the containers near Hunter Creek rest area
Ice carving
6 HIGHWAYS KEEP
RESCUE CREWS BUSY
Harry Takeda works on his salmon ice carving during Winter Carnival last Saturday in Hope. The annual event also featured Christmas karaoke, kids games, a hockey tournament and pictures with Santa.
Accident on the Coquihalla Highway Monday sends drivers to hospital
KERRIE-ANN SCHOENIT THE STANDARD
19 CHIEFS HAVE 1-1
RECORD ON ROAD
Chilliwack hockey team salvages a split from their rivals in Prince George
INSIDE
Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Community . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 19 Classifieds . . . . . 21 $
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Fire destroys Boothroyd fire hall Kerrie-Ann Schoenit Hope Standard
Boothroyd First Nation in Boston Bar is grieving the loss of their fire hall. The building was completely destroyed in a structure fire on Dec. 1, along with their fire truck and equipment. The blaze was discovered at about 10 p.m. by a member of the community who saw smoke billowing from the roof of the fire hall. An attempt to remove the fire truck from inside was thwarted by the heavy smoke. When police arrived on scene, the roof was
fully engulfed in flames. “We’re still reeling from the fire and trying to figure out how to proceed,” said Chief Rick Campbell. “As it stands right now, we have no fire
protection at all. A lot of our members depend on their wood stoves at this time of year and they’re afraid to have their fires going without a fire truck.”
Fire officials on scene attributed the cause of the fire to electrical wiring in the rafters of the building. There was no one injured in the blaze, but the total estimated damage is about $300,000. “I want to thank Boston Bar Fire Department for coming as quickly as they did and doing what they could. I also want to thank all the people that have contacted us since and given us their support and well wishes,” said Campbell. “We’ve been busy since the day of the fire coming up with ideas for fundraising and
getting new equipment.” Boothroyd First Nation has eight to 10 volunteer firefighters serving the community. The fire hall, which was built in 1997, housed all their equipment including hoses, turnout gear, and oxygen tanks. The band is currently trying to raise money to buy new hoses, nozzles and other equipment needed to connect to fire hydrants around the community. Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can contact the band office at 604867-9211.
We’re looking for pictures of: • Outdoor Fun • Christmas Lights • Christmas Trees and or Decorations • Pets
Send us your photos by December 15th & they may be used in our special holiday edition published on December 18th.
Drop off at 540 Wallace St. or email news@hopestandard.com