Structure fire in Merritt destroys 2021 flood damaged homes along Pine Street

MERRITT — A pair of structure fires in Merritt Saturday evening (April 26) has razed several of the homes that were left damaged from 2021 flooding in the community.

The two homes had already been purchased from the original owners, and were under City of Merritt ownership at the time of the blaze.

The homes were separated from others in the area, as following the flood they were left on a bank in-between the original path of the Coldwater River, and the channel carved out during the atmospheric river.

The area around the fire was slated for a restoration project in partnership with the local Nicola Valley First Nations.

Merritt Fire Rescue Chief Dave Tomkinson confirmed to CFJC News that 26 firefighters responded to the scene along with five apparatus. Merritt also received mutual aid from the Lower Nicola Indian Band Fire Department.

The Merritt RCMP have taken control of the scene following the knockdown of flames by Merritt Fire Rescue.