Truck fire prompts Tobiano evacuation

NEWS/ POLICE — Tobiano residents were evacuated Thursday afternoon after a truck carrying highly explosive material caught fire on Highway 1 near the community.

RCMP Cpl. Cheryl Bush said the evacuation was “out of an abundance of caution.”

The driver was able to detach the trailer from the tractor unit when the fire started to reduce the risk of an explosion. Highway 1 was closed in both directions between Savona and Cherry Creek.

Evacuated residents were met at the Cherry Creek fruit stand by emergency services. Police and partner agencies were assessing the situation to ensure the safety of personnel, residents and motorists.

A reception centre for the evacuees was opened at the Hal Rogers Centre, 2025 Summit Drive, by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Emergency Operations and the City of Kamloops Emergency Services.