FIRE – Cherry Creek gas station burns down in early morning blaze

The Trans-Canada was closed in both directions and nearby residents evacuated early today (June 22, 2018) as the Cherry Creek gas station went up in flames.

The New Afton Fire Department and Kamloops RCMP answered a call to the fire at the service station in the 400 block of the Trans Canada about 12:30 a.m. and found it fully engulfed.

Due to the close proximity and immediate potential risk to the neighboring manufactured home park, RCMP conducted tactical evacuations of the numerous residents. The Trans-Canada highway was also closed in both directions through Cherry Creek.

The fire department worked to contain and suppress the fire, while a large safety perimeter was established by RCMP. As the fire was being brought under control, utility companies attended in an attempt to render the area safe.

By 3:40 a.m., highway traffic was moving through a single alternating lane. Residents that were evacuated were permitted to return to their homes.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.