A northern B.C. bottle recycling depot was destroyed by fire early Sunday morning, according to officials. Firefighters were called to the Nechako Bottle Depot on First Avenue in downtown Prince George around 5 a.m., a news release from the city said. “Nineteen crew from four halls arrived at a fully involved structure fire with heavy smoke and flames,” the statement said. “Currently crews have controlled the fire and are working to complete extinguishment. No known occupants and no injuries to firefighters or the public.” The bottle depot, which has been in business for more than 25 years, also posted a brief statement to social media. “This morning we experienced a structure fire that is still under investigation. We are grateful that no one was injured,” the post said. “Thank you to the first responders for being onsite so quickly and for the community support and messages we have been receiving.” The business hopes to reopen, according to the post, and is thanking the public for its patience while damages are assessed and next steps are determined. Sunday’s fire is the second to destroy a business in the city’s downtown this month. On Sept. 5, CrossRoads Brewing and Distillery was gutted by fire. One man has since been arrested and charged with arson in that incident.
