An early-morning fire forced nearly 100 residents of an apartment block in Prince Rupert, B.C. out of their homes on Christmas Day, according to the city.
A fire at about 3 a.m. at the Sherbrooke Apartments on Sherbrooke Avenue in the northern B.C. city led to the displacement of 99 residents living in 36 units, the city said in a statement.
The residents have been relocated to nearby hotels and are receiving emergency support services, the city added.
“Our thoughts are with all families impacted by the fire,” the statement said.
The city said the Salvation Army will provide lunch to the fire evacuees. The city asked residents to donate food and essential items to the charity.
The city said the cause of the fire is under investigation and the extent of the damages has yet to be determined.
Prince Rupert is a port city of approximately 12,000 people, located almost 500 kilometres west of Prince George.