A section of Johnny’s Motel in Grand Forks has been badly damaged by fire.
Grand Forks Fire and Rescue says it was called about 8 p.m. Sunday to a report of a vehicle fire in a carport at the motel.
Crews arrived to find the fire had extended into the motel roof. Firefighters contained the fire and prevent it from spreading further, but as a result five occupants staying in the motel were displaced. No injuries were reported.
A total of 20 members of Grand Forks Fire Rescue responded, using seven pieces of equipment, including the city’s aerial platform. Crews remained on scene until 2 a.m.
Deputy chief Morgan Strohmann said damage to the southern side of the building is extensive, but other guests at the motel are still able to stay there because they are in a separate building that was not affected by the fire.
Police and firefighters are still investigating why the vehicle caught fire.
”Criminality has not been ruled out but there is also nothing to suggest it at this stage until a thorough inspection can be completed,” RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark said in a media release.
It’s the second disaster the motel has endured in recent years. It was damaged by flooding in 2018 and reopened the following year.
During the fire, RCMP temporarily re-routed BC Highway 3 through the downtown core to allow for area closures and additional water supply.
Strohmann said they ask people to give emergency crews space in such incidents.
“I know it’s always interesting to drive by and look at what’s going on, but it does create quite a bottleneck for crews responding in that area,” he said.
“We always try and just remind the public to give emergency responders just space to work.”
