Fire that destroyed Halifax building is suspicious: police

HALIFAX – Police say a fire that destroyed a commercial two-storey building in downtown Halifax earlier this week is suspicious.

Firefighters were called to the scene Sunday before 8 a.m. on Portland Place after reports of smoke and flames.

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Fire officials said crews initially tried to battle the fire from the inside but soon had to withdraw.

They said mattresses and furniture stored in the building helped accelerate the blaze.

The building contained several businesses, including a furniture store.

Fourteen people were removed from a row of nearby townhouses as a precaution, but there were no injuries.