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RCMP have evacuated several residences in a downtown Prince George, B.C., neighbourhood after discovering an explosive device in a home.
Officers found the device Wednesday morning while conducting a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant in the 1600 block of 8th Avenue.
RCMP say their explosive disposal unit is on its way from the Lower Mainland to assist in disposing of the device. Local police officers are keeping the area secure until then.
Prince George RCMP media relations officer Corp. Jennifer Cooper said investigators have evacuated nearby homes “out of an abundance of caution.”
She said residents can expect police to remain on scene until the explosive device has been safely dealt with. The investigation that brought police to the home will resume when its safe for officers to re-enter.
8th Avenue is the same street where two house fires occurred within days of each other earlier this week.
On Sunday, firefighters from three halls responded to a residential structure fire in the 1600 block of the avenue just after 6 a.m. No one was injured in the blaze, but damage to the home was estimated at $250,000.
Crews were called to a second house fire on 8th Avenue, this time in the 2100 block, first thing Tuesday morning. Prince George Fire Rescue said crews arrived shortly after 1:30 a.m. to find a single-story home fully engulfed in flames.
The home was unoccupied at the time and damage is estimated at $300,000.
Both fires are under investigation. Fire officials have not said if they are related or considered suspicious.
More to come.
