Firefighters rushed to put out a new fire at the Meadowbrook Apartments on Friday afternoon.
They did not find the fourth suspicious fire there in recent weeks, however. They were pointed to a smoldering beam that work crews had uncovered in their clean-up of the debris from the New Year's Day fire that has closed the complex.
"Firefighters quickly determined that the call was minor in nature," said Prince George Fire Rescue Service assistant chief Greg Wilkins. "A small amount of water was used to cool the area as a precaution."
Monday's fire was a confirmed case of arson, and two previous fires in recent times have been deemed suspicious. All are part of a police investigation to locate the culprit or culprits.
"It [the Friday call-out] was nothing suspicious, it was a hotspot uncovered by the crew working at the site of the previous fire. This is not another new case," said Prince George RCMP spokesman Cpl. Craig Douglass.
Insurance adjusters for the owners of the Meadowbrook complex said Friday that the premises will be uninhabitable for at least the next three months. Renovations must be done to clean up the damage, most of which was caused by smoke.
"All 12 suites will need to be cleared out and the 28 tenants will require alternate housing," said a written statement issued by the City of Prince George. "Many evacuees have been proactive and have already secured alternate housing or have initiated an application for housing through the Ministry of Social Development, BC Housing, PG Native Friendship Centre and/or the local Red Cross."
The city's Emergency Social Services program (supported by Emergency Measures BC) has been extended until Tuesday, providing accommodations and food to the displaced tenants. City representatives and community partners will meet on Monday to further assess the victims' needs and the next available steps.
