Firefighters continue to investigate the cause of a large-scale fire that occurred in the industrial area of Brooks on Friday. The fire impacted eight businesses, as well as multiple residential tenants, however no injuries were reported.--HANDOUT PHOTO
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com
A fire in Brooks destroyed a large building in the industrial area with eight business tenants and multiple residential tenants on Friday afternoon, leaving no human injuries but claiming the life of one family pet.
Firefighters from Duchess, Tilley, Bassano, Rosemary, Patricia, Gem and the County of Newell, joined six units from Brooks to respond to the large-scale fire that broke out shortly after 1:45 p.m Friday afternoon.
Under intense heat and thick smoke, firefighters searched the building to confirm all occupants had evacuated safely.
Evacuation orders and shelter-in-place directives were issued to reduce smoke exposure, and by 3 p.m. both city hall and the JBS Canada Centre were closed due to drifting smoke.
Following the containment of the fire, first responders estimate 70 per cent of the building and its contents have been deemed a total loss.
Community Peace Officers and the RCMP assisted with traffic control and quickly evacuating homes and businesses within the thick path of smoke.
Flying embers from the blaze were reported as far north as Cassils Road, which ignited a small grassfire on the side of the road that was promptly extinguished.
Along with first responders, city crews were quick to locate and shut off two separate water valves in the building, while ATCO Gas and Fortis Alberta were able to swiftly shut off utilities to ensure a safer environment for firefighting operations.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the RCMP, Community Peace Officers and communications staff who quickly alerted the public and helped ensure community safety,” reads a statement.
Investigators returned to the scene Saturday and are expected back later this week to continue their assessment. At this time no information has been released on the cause of the fire.
“We thank the public for their patience, support and understanding throughout this incident.”
