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Cause of New Year’s Eve fire unknown Pizza & pasta
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GHOSTRIDERS
Four games in six days - Page 17 ELK VALLEY
Integra Air flies to Cranbrook - Page 2 ENTERTAINMENT
A motorbike burns in a garage fire at a property in the Annex on New Year’s Eve. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Photo courtesy of the Fernie Fire Department
By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff
Eadweard to premiere in Fernie - Page 15
POLITICS
Bill Bennett’s year ahead - Page 4
O
n New Years Eve, Fernie Fire and Rescue responded to a call in the Annex area because garage that had caught on fire. “The cause for this fire is undetermined at this time, but it is possible that it was fireworks related,” said Ted Ruiter, chief at the Fernie Fire Department on Jan. 4. The garage and its contents sustained heavy damage, so much that the cause of the fire is still under investigation. “I went back the following day
and there was so much damage it is kind of hard to determine exactly what the cause was,” said Ruiter. “It is hard to say there is so much damage, there was fireworks that evening, not just by that particular resident but lost of people in that particular neighborhood were blasting off fireworks because it was New Years Eve. The majority of them failed to get permits, which is against the bylaw.” The chief wants to remind residents of Fernie that there are permits required for fires and fireworks. “[It’s] important to note that any
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fireworks set off in the City of Fernie requires a Fire Works Permit and approval by the Fire Chief or his designate, Bylaw No. 2029, The Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw,” said Ruiter. Bylaws like No. 2029 are in place to help mitigate potentially uncontrolled fires. “Our bylaw speaks to what people can and can’t do in Fernie. We allow people to have fire pit permits, which follow certain guidelines and distances. As far as firework permits they have to come and apply for that,” said Ruiter. “There is a $10 dollar fee if it is
personal use on your own property. You just need to be aware that there are certain hazards, especially with close proximity to buildings and so forth.” The bylaw regulates the use, sale, restriction and permits of fireworks in aims to promote safe and responsible firework use. While there were fireworks in the Annex area that night, the fire department is unsure the specific cause of the fire. Due to the open investigation and insurance claims, certain details of the fire could not be released at this time.
COMMUNITY APPRECIATION DAY Sunday, January 10th
THANKS to our local community!
Come out for a FREE day of skiing & riding with us! Fundraising BBQ at base area from 11am-2pm (donations to CARDA) Valid for residents of the Elk Valley, including Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford, Elko & Jaffray. Must present photo ID & proof of local residency to receive free lift ticket.