Flames that destroyed a 98-year-old hotel in Oliver, B.C., have been out for almost a month but a new controversy is raging in the wake of the south Okanagan fire.
Two members of Oliver's volunteer fire department have been suspended and an RCMP investigation is underway into allegations six kegs of beer were removed from the Mesa Hotel as it was gutted during the May 23rd blaze.
At least one of the kegs was tapped after all six kegs were moved to the Oliver fire hall in a private truck.
Oliver Mayor Pat Hampson says he was informed by the fire chief that three members of the fire department admitted to removing the beer.
Mr. Hampson says the hotel owners have since been paid for the beer but he says the actions amount to a breach of trust because Oliver residents deserve to expect the fire department will safeguard their property.
He says council won't order any further discipline while the police investigation is underway, but a ban on drinking alcohol in any town building has now been issued.