A Salmo auto wrecker remains in business following a fire that destroyed their office.
Scrap King owner George Vosburgh said they are still towing and selling auto parts from a temporary office on site after the blaze on Airport Road on the afternoon of February 6
"We're back hard at it," he said. "We've ordered new debit machines and computers. We lost lots in the fire but we're starting again."
No one was hurt but the 2,600 square foot one-storey modular building burned to the ground. In addition, the fire destroyed an uninsured semi-trailer and about 5,000 alternators and starters. "We had a huge selection I'd been working on for years," Vosburgh said.
The fire's cause hasn't been determined, but Salmo fire chief David Hearn said it isn't considered suspicious.
Although outside village limits, the area has contracted fire service. Two Salmo engines and a tender responded along with one engine and a tender from Ymir.
Vosburgh said he was in Castlegar on a job and his wife was at a doctor's appointment when the fire broke out.
Crews kept it from spreading to a nearby shop, although the "metal on the building was steaming."
Vosburgh added the office had a new roof put on it a couple of years ago. They are planning to rebuild.
"It's going to cost more than the insurance is worth, but what can you do? Nobody got hurt and life goes on."