Esquimalt neighbourhood evacuated after explosives found
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Updated: August 28, 2009 4:55 PM
Explosive materials were found in a house near Craigflower Road today.
Residents of Garthland Road, Garthland Place, Gorge Vale Road and the 1100 block of Craigflower Road are being evacuated while crews try to determine what kinds of hazardous materials are in the house.
The hazardous chemicals were found at noon today.
Craigflower Road is closed in both directions between Shirley Road and Glen Vale Road.
Esquimalt fire, Victoria police and provincial hazmat crews are currently on site. A bomb squad has been called from Vancouver and is scheduled to arrive at 8 p.m.
Ritchie Morrison, communications co-ordinator for the Township of Esquimalt, said the previous owner of the house was storing chemicals. Those chemicals were scheduled to be removed today, but when crews arrived, they determined the materials could be explosive.
A volunteer-run shelter has been set up for residents evacuated from their homes at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser St. The centre will accommodate evacuees overnight if necessary, Morrison said.
ecardone@vicnews.com
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