Elk Valley RCMP have re-opened the closed area in downtown Fernie as of 12:35 pm, after determining that the “suspicious package” found posed no threat to public safety.
Police investigated the “suspicious package” that was found outside Save-On-Foods in downtown Fernie Sunday morning, fully closing the area between 7th Street and 8th Street along 2nd Avenue to 1st Avenue.
Cpl. Don Hay said Save-On-Foods, BC Liquor Store, the Tipple Beer Wine Store, Salvation Army, and Urban Settler were all closed until they neutralized the package.
“With support from the RCMP ‘E’ Division’s Explosives Disposal Unit, the suspicious item was examined and determined to pose no threat,” said Hay. “Public safety is paramount to the RCMP therefore these incidents are treated seriously and with an abundance of caution.”
The Elk Valley RCMP are thanking the public and the business community for their patience as they closed off the area to deal with the potential threat.
All business has since returned to normal and the area is fully open to the public once again.