Strathcona County fire crews continued to battle hot spots on a massive blaze that destroyed a commercial building in Sherwood Park Saturday.
Crews were called to the scene near Sioux Road and Broadmoor Blvd. at 3:45 p.m.
The building is home to several businesses including All Season Equipment.
“They found heavy smoke and heat inside the building,” Deputy Chief Devin Capcara with Strathcona County Emergency Services, said. “They tried one attempt at the interior, they were driven back by heavy smoke and heat. Shortly after that, the fire went through the roof and we switched to defensive operations.”
Capcara said firefighters remained in a defensive mode for nearly two hours, until the fire was finally brought under control at around the supper hour. At least two neighbouring businesses were evacuated as a precaution.
“The building is going to be completely written off,” Capcara said.
There is no word on what caused the fire to start but firefighters have determined the blaze originated in the northwest corner of the building.
“That seemed to be where the smoke was heaviest and the fire first came through the roof,” Capcara said.
Fire crews are expected to remain on scene throughout the evening and into the night.
“The hoses freeze up, the guys tend to get pretty cold,” Capcara said. “The building is going to fall in on itself and bury the fire underneath it. So we’ll have to bring in some heavy equipment- to move the rubble around to get it completely out.”
Several road closures are in effect including Sioux Road and Woodbridge Road. RCMP are asking motorists to avoid the area.