Divisional Chief for Fire Prevention Mark Wilson tells CHSJ news they had problems with a few fire hydrants freezing up, causing them to use hydrants a little farther away. Another big danger was the close proximity of surrounding buildings and high winds.
Now that the scene is secure, investigators will try to determine a cause. Wilson says any fire is considered suspicious until they find out how it started. He says crews will most likely be on the scene for the rest of the day.
The Saint John Fire Department had to call in 4 off duty crews to battle the 2 am blaze, which started and destroyed a 3 story vacant building at 72 Mecklenburg street. The Canadian Red Cross says 16 people - including 5 children - have been evacuated. Wilson says they won't return to their homes for at least 24 hours.
Wilson says the blaze is classified as a major fire.
