My name is Dan Holte and I am a part-owner of Central Manor on Kootenay St. We were awakened at 11:30 pm. Monday night by our caretaker, Chris Lewis. He recounted the bedlam and terror occurring the past thirty minutes and said our tenants were in the parking lot, watching the response teams engaging the fire. My wife anf I dressed and drove down from Kelowna ( where we both live and work ) and arrived in Oliver at 1:00 am. Although we were somewhat dazed or numb from the sudden turn of events, we immediately could sense the empathy and the complete control of all the groups that had joined in. We were introduced to Emergency Response members, and both RCMP and firefighting officials. At this point, the surrounding area was cordonned off and the blaze was engulfing the south side of the building. The Kiwanis building was graciosly serving as a respite station and several tenants were brought to the Alliance church. We are truly grateful to all Response teams. People caring for people is a grace that permeates through an otherwise horrid situation. We have people that have been torn from their homes and their belongings. We will now go through the aftermath of investigation, insurance and rebuilding. But through it all, the amazing support from your citizens and volunteers again show that Oliver is a wonderful community.

Dan and Maureen Holte