Residents Evacuated After Prince Rupert Fire

A fire caused by a traditional Chinese ceremony in Hong Kong led to the evacuation of around 100 residents from Heng On Estate, with preliminary investigations ruling out foul play. The fire ignited when a resident left the property before joss papers were fully burned during a ritual meant to appease spirits. In Canada, 99 residents of the Sherbrooke Apartments in Prince Rupert faced a similar fate, being evacuated on Christmas morning due to a fire that remains under investigation; fortunately, no injuries were reported, and evacuees received support from local services. Meanwhile, in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, a fire on Christmas Day resulted in heavy smoke and water damage to a home, displacing its residents, but no significant injuries occurred among the responders. The American Red Cross is assisting those affected in Yarmouth, while local authorities in Prince Rupert are collecting donations for evacuees. Investigations are ongoing in all instances to determine the causes of the fires.