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The mayor of Fernie says the three workers who died from a suspected ammonia leak at a municipal ice rink Tuesday were doing routine maintenance at the arena.

Mayor Mary Giuliano has not identified the dead, but says two of them were city employees.

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The third was an out-of-town contractor for the company handling maintenance on the ice-making equipment at the Fernie Memorial Arena.

A state of emergency remains in effect in the southeastern B.C. city after the suspected leak, which happened just after noon on Tuesday. Giuliano says it was imposed to assist about 60 people living near the arena to leave.

Fernie said in a statement that the state of emergency will remain in effect for seven days because of a potential threat to property and life.

Nearby homes and businesses, including a retirement home, were evacuated after the leak was reported, between 9th and 13th streets and Highway 3 and 6th Avenue.