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More than 120 people turned out at a public meeting that, according to Ward 13 councillor Diane Colley-Uruquhart, was called to find out what happened.

The fire that started in a landfill on the Tsuu T'ina reserve and burned for three days was put out over a week ago and residents are still tired and frustrated at the lack of answers.

Until the meeting, official reports said that the fire started at around 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 8.

However, one person at the meeting said they called the fire department two hours earlier and were told that crews were already aware of the issue.

Residents also said that the fire had to be more than just clean wood waste like the Tsuu T'ina First Nation said.

"I grew up on a farm. I know what garbage smells like when it burns," said Jack Foster. "Don't tell me that was wood - which is what they said in their statement."

Ward 13 Diane Colley-Uruquhart organized the town hall and says she understands the anger over the issue. "People went out into the streets thinking their house was on fire, then out in the street thinking their neighbour's house was on fire. This had an incredible impact on the community."

Members of the Tsuu T'ina First Nation also attended the meeting and in a moment of courage, one of the elders stood to speak, offering a heartfelt apology: "My ancestors helped you and you in turn helped us. So let's learn to respect each other, care for each other and love each other."

Following the comments from the member who refused to be named, the tone of the meeting softened and a common theme of the need for better communication with residents and better environmental monitoring and management of the Tsuu T'ina landfill emerged.

Input from the town hall meeting will be rolled into a motion to be presented to city council in the coming weeks to prevent another fire in the future.