Pine Grove residents in Kamloops will be returning home this Monday, November 29, in time to celebrate Christmas in a beautifully repaired and refurbished setting.
"Pine Grove is spotlessly clean and looks like brand new," said Pine Grove Administrator Mary-Ann Nadeau. "We hope our residents and family members will be thrilled with what they see."
The 75 residents were evacuated from Pine Grove at approximately 5 a.m. October 21, after a small attic fire triggered the alarm system. With the cooperation of Interior Health, residents moved to a floor of the Ponderosa Lodge, where they are staying until repairs to Pine Grove are completed. Care has been provided by Pine Grove staff.
The repairs included a structural review to ensure the building is safe and erasing smoke and water damage. Fortunately, the sprinkler system contained the fire, so none of the residents' rooms or possessions were damaged.
Nadeau said repairs took approximately two weeks longer than hoped, but everyone worked hard to bring the residents home as soon as possible. "Our residents have coped well but are anxious to return to their home. We now have everything ready - the repairs are complete and we've rented the bus and truck to bring everyone and everything back on Monday," said Nadeau.
Owner Al Jina, who visited the residents and site the day after the fire, praised the community of Kamloops and Interior Health for their support of Pine Grove. "All the offers of help we received and the support given to our residents make us proud to be serving such a caring community," he said.
Upon their return home, the residents will look forward to holiday celebrations, including a gala Christmas Party, Santa's arrival, special entertainment and gifts for all.
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