RCMP in downtown Prince George, British Columbia, have permitted residents to return to their homes following the safe disposal of an explosive device discovered during a search on Wednesday morning. The device was found in the 1600-block of Eighth Avenue during a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant execution. As a precaution, nearby residences were evacuated while awaiting the arrival of the explosive disposal unit from the Lower Mainland. Local police maintained security until the disposal team arrived in the late afternoon.
Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, a media relations officer with the Prince George RCMP, confirmed the device as explosive and stated that it was safely disposed of. The investigation that led to the police presence is ongoing. Once the area was deemed safe, residents were allowed to return home.
Interestingly, recent days have seen two separate house fires on Eighth Avenue. The first fire occurred early Sunday morning, causing significant damage estimated at $250,000 but resulted in no injuries. The second fire, in the 2100-block on Tuesday morning, also caused substantial damage estimated at $300,000. Fortunately, this home was unoccupied at the time of the blaze. While investigations into both fires are ongoing, there is currently no evidence linking the incidents.
Cpl. Cooper emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activities to the police, especially concerning frequent, unfamiliar vehicle stops in neighborhoods. Encouraging vigilance, she urged residents to alert authorities promptly to ensure thorough investigations into potential criminal activities.