More than 20 firefighters are on scene at a major fire in downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
Sault Police believe everyone escaped the building safely.
There are apartments on top of the lower level businesses, but at this time police are unsure how many residents there are.
Fire crews arrived at the scene shortly after 5 am and continue to battle the blaze.
Firefighters have not been inside the structure yet, saying it has been a defensive battle since the onset. Fire officials say the extremely cold temperatures make it more difficult to fight the fire because hoses, standing water, and firefighter breathing apparatus begin to freeze in these temperatures.
Queen Street East between Bruce Street and Dennis Street is blocked to traffic and police urge members of the community to avoid the area.
Transit routes in the area have been redirected.
Anyone impacted by the fire is asked to go to the GFL Memorial Gardens, where city staff and members of the Red Cross are set up to assist.
"For anyone displaced by the fire and in need of a warm place to go, the GFL Gardens is open and the City welcomes you to head there," said Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Christian Provenzano.
