One Missing In Hotel Fire

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 09:44 AM

Prince George, B.C. - One person remains unaccounted for in the wake of the fire that destroyed the Columbus Hotel on Third Avenue in Prince George this morning.

Three people have been taken to hospital, one suffering fron burns, two others from smoke inhilation.

The unaccounted for person is an elderly man known as "J-J". One resident who didn't want to be identifed said he last saw J.J. going to the St. Vincent dePaul centre for dinner last nigh When asked if it was possible that J.J. went out for the night and wasn't in his room, the resident said, "Naw, he never went anywhere expect to get meals."

The Columbus, or "the Bus" as it's known to locals, is one of the oldest buildings in Prince George. Here is the account from the Prince George Public Library:

The Columbus Hotel

The Columbus Hotel was constructed at some point in 1920 under the ownership of Louis Zimmaro. Despite competing against hotels, such as the Prince George and the Alexandra, the Columbus still managed to thrive and a brick addition to the building was constructed in early 1929. Representing an increase of 24 rooms, the addition, built by A.P. Anderson, indicates that business was plentiful in the 20’s for those engaged in the hospitality industry.

Fire walls were also an important part of the addition and it's clear from historical accounts that fire was a source of anxiety for a large number of property owners. Looking at the fate of buildings such as the Ritts-Kifer hall gives a degree of legitimacy to these fears. An interesting acquisition was made by the hotel in April of 1949, when the owner purchased a dishwashing machine reportedly capable of cleaning up to 4,000 beer glasses in an hour. It was the first machine of its kind in central BC.

The owner of the hotel, Rob Gibson, arrived on scene about an hour ago, when asked if he would rebuild he said simply "I don't know."

The rear wall of the hotel is buckling and looks as though it will collapse. Gibson says he expects the hotel to collapse in on itself.

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Posted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 09:44 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: grouchymomma on August 19 2008 10:22 AM

any idea on how the genny is doing....wonder if its ruined to ,,,lets hope!

Posted by: Anastasia on August 19 2008 10:25 AM

oh JJ I sure hope you stayed with one of your friends last night!! God Willing we will see your smiling face again!!

Posted by: grouchymomma on August 19 2008 10:37 AM

I hope jj is found safe somewhere enjoying our cool weather...

Posted by: Diesel on August 19 2008 10:50 AM

Agree 100% on the Generator but I do hope JJ was out and turns up around town soon.

I just walked by and it appears the front brick and side fire wall are all that is left intact of the Hotel. The rear appears to be about to colapse.

Prince George sure has had it's share of downtown fires in the last couple years. It is unfortunate that the economic conditions don't allow for reconstruction in what could be great potential new business locations.

Posted by: robichal on August 19 2008 2:21 PM

I'm guessing it will stay burnt out for a very long time. With that other building close by that is also burn out, PG will look like a bit of war zone - very appropriate and very sad!