Investigators are still trying to find out what caused a June 5 fire that burned down a pesticide storage shed northeast of Minnedosa, Man., and forced the evacuation of nearly 100 people.
Concerns about toxic fumes from the fire prompted the evacuation. Homeowners in the area were moved along with people staying at a local campground.
The evacuation lasted a day. Manitoba Conservation monitored homes for signs of toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide and finding none, allowed people to return.
No one was injured during the blaze. There was no word on what caused the fire as of June 11.
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“I’m not sure we ever will know,” said Const. Farrell Kitsch of the Yellowhead RCMP detachment.
The building was owned by Ken Kane Aerial Spray Ltd., a custom applicator of farm chemicals.
Company manager Ken Cameron was already planning to start cleanup of the site last week.
Despite the farm chemicals consumed in the blaze, Cameron sounded confident his company will be able to meet the needs of its customers.
“We expect business as usual in a few days,” he said, when interviewed June 6.
“We’re just hoping everything goes smoothly and we’re doing whatever Manitoba Environment tells us to.”
Manitoba Conservation is monitoring soil and wells in the area. Don Labossiere, a dangerous goods regional supervisor for the department, said the warehouse that burned had a cement floor. The site was also ringed by a dike, reducing the risk of serious contamination.
