Sault Fire Services investigating downtown fire
Investigators are searching for the cause of a fire at a building in downtown Sault Ste. Marie that forced nearby business to close while the structural integrity of the building is assessed.
Sault Fire Services said the call came in around 8:30 Wednesday morning, with a total of 16 firefighters from all four stations responding to the call.
At last check, officials said there are no civilian injuries and no firefighters were hurt.
Smoke and flames could be seen rising from the roof of the property at 647 Queen St. East. The Grand Theatre, directly west of the structure, is said to have sustained only minor damage.
The owner of Loplops to the east of the building said while he has not been able to get a good look at the inside of his property, he’s been told the damage is also minor.
However, the owner of The Dive Gastro Pub across the street said she’s been told not to open for at least a day.
“Right now, we’re in the middle of a collapse zone, (but) we’re also going to be in the middle of a construction zone right afterward,” said Becky Sawyer.
“All we can really hope for is that they get it done speedy, safely, and we’ll open our doors again as soon as we’re able to. But for the time being, we’ve been told that we can’t open.”
There has been chatter on the street about squatters occasionally occupying the otherwise vacant structure, with one witness saying they saw someone on the roof before the fire broke out.
Investigators are searching for the cause of a fire at a building in downtown Sault Ste. Marie that forced nearby business to close while the structural integrity of the building is assessed.
Sault police blocked off Queen Street between East and Brock streets after a fire broke out downtown in the 600 block. May 8, 2024 (Mike McDonald/CTV Northern Ontario)Sawyer said there have been some “unsavoury” elements in the area.
“We’ve seen people hanging around, ushered them off, kind of spook people away, but, I mean, at the end of the day, what can we do?” she said.
“It’s not our place. People are going to find their way in there.”
Sault Fire Services said renovations were underway leading up to the fire. Vacant buildings in general are concerning because they are not typically maintained, inspected or properly secured, leaving them vulnerable to vandalism and fires.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Tick season is underway in Ontario. Here's how to protect yourself
Tick season is well underway and there is a new species of ticks causing new diseases, which is why you need to take steps to protect yourself.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Five things to know about the NHL playoffs
The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are both one win away from advancing to the Stanley Cup final.
Is intermittent fasting better than counting calories? Maybe not, but you might stick with it
As weight-loss plans go, it's easy to see the allure of intermittent fasting: Eat what you want, but only during certain windows of time — often just eight hours a day.
Daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt files court petition to remove father's last name
A daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filed paperwork to legally remove "Pitt" from her name on the day she turned 18.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week
Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!
Israel maintains a shadowy hospital in the desert for Gaza detainees. Critics allege mistreatment
Patients lying shackled and blindfolded on more than a dozen beds inside a white tent in the desert. Surgeries performed without adequate painkillers. Doctors who remain anonymous.