People in Port Alberni can still access income assistance and other essential government services after a fire destroyed the local Service BC office last week.

RCMP are investigating the fire as arson and one person was taken into custody.

A temporary office has opened at 4805 Mar Street, where income and disability assistance clients can pick up cheque payments.

The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Service BC says it's working with ministry partners to restore services as quickly as possible, with additional services expected to be added at the temporary location in the coming weeks.

People needing other Service BC services can continue to access them online, by phone, or by visiting Service BC offices in Courtenay, Nanaimo, or Ucluelet.

ICBC driver licensing services remain available through the Nanaimo office.

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is also encouraging clients who don't use direct deposit to enroll by phone to help avoid service disruptions.