A large piece of Fredericton’s downtown was on fire last night.
Early Sunday morning a fire broke out, consuming buildings and businesses on the corner of Queen Street and Carleton Street.
As of 7:30 this morning, the fire is reportedly under control. Isaac’s Way has burned down and multiple buildings have been affected by the fire. No serious injuries have been reported. Fire crews were still pouring water on the charred remains at 1 p.m. By 1:30 p.m. Carleton Street was open to traffic again.
Flames stretching higher than the city’s tallest building claimed a number of shops and apartments, including the popular Isaac’s Way restaurant at 73 Carleton Street, and a 24-unit rooming house attached. CTV reported 26 people are homeless from the fire and staying at hotels or with family and friends.
It’s still uncertain how the fire started.
Firefighters first responded around 1 a.m. Sunday morning. While crews continued to contain the damage, the restaurant and adjoined apartment building are completely lost.
Other shops and businesses along Queen Street have suffered smoke damage but are no longer at risk of fire damage.
Debris was a concern. Fiery chunks made their way across the street to the neighboring Royal Bank of Canada.
The centuries old Wilmot United Church on the corner of King and Carleton was also a major concern for firefighters, but was undamaged. They firmly positioned themselves between it and the burning restaurant to prevent damage to the historic building.
With files from Liam McGuire and Whitney Neilson
