A blaze that broke out in Brandon Saturday has destroyed at least three downtown buildings.
Emergency crews were spotted fighting a massive fire just after 12 p.m.
According to onlookers, the blaze was sparked in the Christie’s Office Plus building near Seventh Street and Pacific Avenue.
As officials worked to contain the flames, the wind pushed the fire to another large building, the Massey Manor. Both buildings were up in flames and still spewing dark, billowing smoke into the sky just after 4 p.m.
The fire also engulfed a beer vendor.
Crews wet the roof of Colleyer’s Sales and Service to keep the structure safe.
“There were massive flames and massive ash,” said resident Deveryn Ross, who was on scene. He said the smoke and fire touched at least three other buildings owned by a hotel next door.
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“It went up in a hurry and there were a number of small explosions.”
The hotel, which is at 5th and Rosser, was being attended to by crews from CFB Shiloh.
The conditions in Brandon Saturday were very dry.
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On Twitter, the City of Brandon said that officials have confirmed embers are drifting a “significant distance and creating potential for additional fires.”
They asked residents in the surrounding areas and nearby community to be on the lookout and to have garden hoses ready. Police have also asked residents to stay away from the buildings as they burn.
The Massey Manor is owned by the Brandon Friendship Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association and Manitoba Housing. It contains affordable housing for those experiencing homelessness.
There is no word yet or injuries or on the fire’s cause.
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