WATCH ABOVE: Video footage shows fire crews suppressing the raging fire engulfing a Halifax building as some of its structure starts collapsing.
HALIFAX – Fire crews managed to get a large fire in Halifax’ north end under control on Sunday, but not before it destroyed a two-storey building.
Officials got the call around 8 a.m., and say when they arrived at 5426 Portland Place, the building’s front was already covered in smoke.
Flames could also be seen shooting from the windows and roof of the building.
“We started with an offensive fire tact, meaning we go inside and try to fight unfortunately the flames overtook the building and the roof started to collapse at which time we backed the cruise out and went defensive” says Scott Shaffner, Division Commander for Halifax Regional Fire Service.
Fire officials say the structure is a total loss. The rear and roof of the building have collapsed.
“The back is completely on the ground, down fully in flames, our primary concern now is the building beside it, that’s the only exposure and threat right now” Shaffner says.
Residents of at least 22 apartments and condominium units were evacuated.
Disaster volunteers with the Canadian Red Cross are on scene to assist with temporary lodging, food and other emergency needs.
Two Halifax Transit buses were also brought to the scene, to provide a safe place to stay for those who had to leave their homes.
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Heather Fairbairn, an evacuated resident, was told about the fire a little before 8 am. She says at that point they were still allowed to stay in the building.
“Probably within a half hour, 45 minutes the knock came to evacuate, clearly at that point the fire had intensified and the building has started to collapse” she tells Global News.
Fairbairn has lived in the neighbourhood for the past five years, and is concerned because the area’s heritage properties. She says she’s also worried about her own home, and personal belongings, but managed to grab her pet cat during the evacuation.
“I managed to scoop her up and throw her in her cat house, so she’s calm now”.
The public is being advised to stay far away from the scene, as the smoke blankets the city’s north end.
“When the crews are in the smoke itself, even though they’re outside, they are in full breathing apparatus to protect their lungs” Shaffner says.
“I don’t think individuals realize how dangerous that smoke can be, it’s something that’s an annoyance right now but it gets in your bloodstream and it can last a long time”
The building engulfed in flames was home to several businesses, including Ravensberg College, a law enforcement college.
Elizabeth Newman, VP of sales and marketing with RCR Hospitality Group got a call from a colleague about a fire this morning.
“I’ve been in this building for 20 years, RCR has always been in this building as has National Art, and it’s just an unbelievable day,” she says of the blaze.
“National Art has more art work and so that’s a tragedy, but the very good news is it was a Sunday morning, there was nobody in the building and no one was hurt.”
An investigation to determine the cause of the fire will likely start Monday.
Due to health and safety risks from thick smoke, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services said it would likely be this evening before those who were evacuated are allowed to return home.
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