London Drugs in New Westminster is cleaning up after a fire its heating and air conditioning unit.
A fire in the HVAC system forced the store to close about 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 11. In a March 16 statement, London Drugs stated the store remains closed.
“Due to a fire in our heating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit, smoke and soot was distributed in a part of the store. To protect the safety of staff and our customers, this location remains temporarily closed,” said a statement from London Drugs. “We are working diligently to destroy any damaged product and clean the store location. Our estimated time for reopening is Friday, March 19.”
The timing of the reopening, however, is an estimate and is subject to change.
Because of the fire, London Drugs was unable to fill prescriptions at its Westminster Centre location. Customers have been able to contact the London Drugs store in Lougheed Town Centre to have their prescriptions transferred and filled at that location.
“Curbside pickup is available for prepaid PhotoLab orders and post office until 5 p.m.,” said a statement from the store. “Service technicians continue to work on any existing repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience.”
After responding to the March 11 fire, the fire department gave the all-clear at 11 p.m. that night. After reopening in the morning, staff found “noticeable particulate” in the store and decided to close temporarily for a detailed clean.
A shopper told the Record she’d entered the store just before noon, and the doors had been closed by the time she returned to the front of the store. The customer, who was allowed to make her purchases before leaving the store, said she didn’t smell smoke or see any particulate.
“Good thing we are all wearing masks,” she quipped.
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Email tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca
