“Explosive Device Disposed, Residents Cleared to Return Home”

RCMP in downtown Prince George, B.C., have given the green light for residents to return home following the safe disposal of an explosive device discovered during a search warrant operation under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act on Eighth Avenue. The finding led to the evacuation of nearby residences until the RCMP explosive disposal unit arrived from the Lower Mainland to handle the device. Local law enforcement ensured the area’s safety until the team arrived at approximately 4 p.m. PT. Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, a media relations officer with Prince George RCMP, confirmed the device’s explosive nature and its safe disposal, allowing residents to re-enter their homes once the area was secure. Notably, Eighth Avenue had witnessed two separate house fires in the same week before this incident, with the first blaze causing an estimated $250,000 in damages and the second fire resulting in around $300,000 in damage. While investigations into the fires continue, there is currently no evidence linking the incidents on Eighth Avenue. However, Cooper urged the public to report any suspicious activities to the police for further investigation and potential criminal probes.