Royal Hotel blaze in city centre
By Collin Gallant on September 16, 2022.
Firefighters pump water into a window at the Royal Hotel at South Railway Street and Second Street in downtown Medicine Hat on Friday morning. No injuires were reported at 10 a.m. but officials say work at the area will conintue for most of the day. News Photo Collin Gallant, Sept. 16, 2022Medicine Hat News
Firefighters continue to battle a morning blaze at the Royal Hotel in downtown Medicine Hat, generally limiting the fire to the historic building that has substantial damage.
Crews responded at about 8 a.m. Friday morning for what Sources told the News was a fire that started in the basement. No one was living at the building that re-opened as a live music only venue in late 2019.
It sits in a business block with adjoining walls, which were billowing smoke as pumper trucks sprayed down from above.
Fire crews pumped water into windows for several hours and were still working in heavy smoke at 10:45 a.m.
Police blocked traffic access on the complicated roadway that borders the site, halting traffic on South Railway, Second Street, and the ramp to the First Street railway underpass.
Power was cut briefly to the entire block as power crews isolated the building and turn off its electricity.
Officials are advising the public to avoid the area until further notice.
<5
