‘Severe smoke damage’ keeping Telus World of Science closed after fire

Smoke damage inside the feature exhibition caused by a fire at the Telus World of Science. (Source: Telus World of Science)

Telus World of Science (TWOSE) staff say the smoke caused by a fire last week is much more significant than originally thought.

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A small fire broke out in the building last Monday, forcing it to close and postpone a new exhibition. More than 1,000 people, including several schools, were forced out of the building, but no one was injured.

TWOSE president and CEO Constance Scarlett says the smoke damage affected nearly half of the building, requiring specialized cleaning for walls and carpets.

A crew of 25 people is working 16 hours a day to clean the science centre and prepare to welcome guests back.

The CEO says the fire started in an air handling unit right above the feature exhibition hall but the cause is unknown.

“What we can say at this point is that the fire is not suspicious in nature. However, the investigation is ongoing and will continue for the next couple of weeks,” Scarlett said in a news conference on Monday.

She added it’s likely the air handling unit will need to be replaced.

No exhibits were damaged during the fire but the building remains closed. Scarlett says many of their spaces will be able to reopen within the next week with the feature exhibition hall being closed for several months.

Customers with pre-booked tickets will be contacted directly.