Possibly Two Missing in Columbus Fire

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 11:56 AM

The rear wall of the Columbus Hotel has collapsed, while the ladder truck crew continue to spray water on the structure

click here for video of fire

Prince George, B.C.- There are now concerns two people are unaccounted for in the wake of the blaze at the Columbus Hotel in downtown Prince George.

A man known as "JJ" and another as yet unidentified person were registered as being at the Columbus, but it is not known for certain if the two were in the building this morning when the fire started.

A thorough search of the scene will be performed when entry is possible.

Six residents of the hotel had to be rescued by ladder, three people were taken to hospital. Two were treated for smoke inhilation and released, the third suffered serious burns and has been transfered to Vancouver General Hospital.

(At right, two firefighters take a break as other members of their crew prepare to continue the battle)

The fire has been brought under control. Crews are using the Ladder truck and handlines to extinguish hot spots. Full overhaul and extinguishment will not be possible until the building is made safe to enter.

A Reception Centre for persons displaced from their residence by this fire has been opened in Room 1 West at City Hall.

( at left, Third Avenue just before noon as most fire crews have returned to their respective halls)

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

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Posted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 11:56 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Tank Abbott on August 19 2008 1:54 PM

the story just " heated" up a little

Posted by: robichal on August 19 2008 2:07 PM

Hopefully the people missing will be located safe and sound

I wonder how long it will stand burnt out...Maybe something nice will take it's place???

Posted by: Shellshadow on August 19 2008 2:12 PM

Hopefully the owner can rebuild and provide jobs and a place to live for the people displaced or now out of work. *keeping fingies crossed

Posted by: coastb on August 19 2008 2:52 PM

I heard earlier that the bus was up for sale. I hope that this fire is just a coincidence!!

Posted by: lmorg on August 19 2008 3:49 PM

Ah you mean financial combustion?

Posted by: C. Monty Burns on August 19 2008 10:23 PM

the story just " heated" up a little

Tank. Why do you comment? so stupid. Go get ready for school in a few weeks bud. Summer vacation is almost over. Clown.

Posted by: cobrasnake on August 20 2008 10:41 AM

To make the slightest reference that this was not an accident is something that you should be very careful with. Are you kidding me?financial combustion...Duh I hope it was a coincidence.... Someone just lost there livelyhood and others lost there homes and jobs and lives. Then you morons make reference that the owner may have had something to do with it.....give yor head a shake

Posted by: S&Mpgcpl on August 24 2008 1:32 PM

The bus was home for many people. Both the people who enjoyed visiting the bus as a relaxing friendly fun enviroment to the people that lived upstairs in the hotel. Either way it is a tragic loss and we really feel terrible for everyone who worked there and lived there for the loss of a great place. My GF and I were frequent visitors to the BUS..several times a week in fact. We never went there to buy drugs, sell drugs or do drugs, we just went there for the great food, the entertainment, visit friends, and the social aspect the bus had to offer. We often referred to it as CHEERS, cuz everyone there knows your name and it was just a really friendly place to go and relax at. The staff were all amazing and the food that Shannon cooked was unbelievable too. No matter what anyone says bad about the BUS, it was like home and we were very comfortable there. Sure it wasn't modern or fancy, it was a rustic historic heritage building but it gave you that warm fuzzy feeling when you were inside...like you were now home with family and friends. It was a working 'persons' bar, everybody from business owners, skill-trade workers to teachers, doctors, train-men, firemen and even the occassional lawyer, etc.... In fact it was often referred to a HALL#5 by the local fire department.
Needless to say everyone had many good times there and it is a tragic loss to Prince George. RIP ~ THE BUS!
~~S&M~~