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Three people are dead and several homes were evacuated after an ammonia leak at a southeastern B.C. arena.

Emergency crews were called to the Fernie Memorial Arena in Fernie, B.C., late Tuesday morning — a town already dealing with sporadic power outages and damage from high winds.

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RCMP and fire crews evacuated numerous homes and businesses in the vicinity of the arena, including a retirement home.

The dead have been identified as workers servicing the refrigeration plant at the municipal arena, which according to bulletins posted by the city was scheduled to be closed all day Tuesday for emergency repairs.

Details on what caused the leak has yet to be determined, and information about the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Crews managed to contain the leak by late afternoon, but as of Tuesday evening the site was still too toxic for workers to enter.

Specialized crews and equipment are enroute to assist in the cleanup.

City officials said residents will be prevented from returning home until they’re certain it’s safe.

Deadly when inhaled, anhydrous ammonia is a common industrial refrigerant frequently used in ice hockey rinks.

— With files from Postmedia Network

bpassifiume@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @bryanpassifiume