Fort Steele Heritage Town is fully open and operational heading into the summer season.

The regional tourist attraction is informing visitors who check into its website that the site is open following a fire at its Visitor Reception Centre (VRC) on April 30.

“The fire was limited to the VRC building at the park entrance. The fire caused moderate damage to the east side of the building, including the veranda with some smoke and water damage to the building’s interior,” Fort Steele reports.

“Cranbrook RCMP and the provincial fire commissioner are investigating to determine the cause of the fire.  No other property at the site was affected by the fire nor were any of the Fort’s animals harmed.”

The good news is that the Fort continues to operate based on its normal hours of operation for this time of year: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). The Fort’s summer schedule begins July 1, with hours running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While the VRC building is being repaired, visitor access to the park will be through the gatehouse adjacent to the building.

All other services normally provided in the VRC will be relocated in the interim to other facilities on the site.

“We wish to extend our deep gratitude to Cranbrook Fire Rescue, Cranbrook RCMP, BC Ambulance and BC Hydro personnel for their response to the fire and helping to contain the damage.  We also wish to thank all the many concerned individuals who have contacted us to offer assistance. Your support is sincerely appreciated by board and staff and is indicative of that wonderful sense of community that makes so many love Fort Steele Heritage Town,” Fort representatives stated.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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