Campbell River firefighters have returned to Fire Hall No. 1 following a precautionary temporary relocation caused by water damage and the discovery of asbestos-containing materials.

Recent heavy rain and wind allowed water to enter the building through an exposed section of its roof, which was undergoing replacement work at the time.

Before water-damaged materials could be removed, the City arranged for a hazardous-materials assessment to identify any potential risks. That survey confirmed the presence of asbestos-containing materials in parts of the affected area.

Staff were temporarily relocated from the fire hall on Wednesday, October 28th, while the situation was assessed and the City waited for confirmation that the building could be safely occupied.

Employees were cleared to return and moved back into Fire Hall No. 1 on Friday, October 30th.

Emergency services continued operating normally throughout the temporary relocation. City officials say there were no disruptions to fire-suppression services or 9-1-1 dispatch at any point.

The City has not indicated whether the roof replacement and related repairs have been fully completed.