Fredericton firefighters battle blaze at 2 downtown restaurants, bar

Fire crews shut down a section of downtown Fredericton Wednesday afternoon, as they battled a fire on King Street.

The fire broke out before 3 p.m. at 546 King St, which houses a couple restaurants and a bar. Smoke could be seen billowing from the building, and crews had a ladder extended to the roof.

Police were on scene, as well as Ambulance New Brunswick.

Doug Williams, the co-owner of Brewbakers restaurant, told Global News he believes the fire began in the electrical room.

He said several staff members were inside the restaurant when they noticed smoke.

“We were inside. We were working when it started and there was smoke so we just left the building,” he said.

“Myself and the staff, we left but I haven’t been back inside to see. I don’t anticipate physical damage at all.”

Williams said he believes much of the damage will be contained to smoke and water.

“We’re just sort of waiting to see,” he said. “There is a lot of smoke in the building.”

He said he remains optimistic they’ll be able to assess the damage soon, and re-open.

On Facebook, Namaste Bistro posted that their staff members were safe, and also indicated it would be closed for the time being.

— with a file from Nathalie Sturgeon