An early morning fire at a commercial building in Brantford left 2,700 customers without power for several hours on Sunday.
Brantford Fire crews said they expected to be on scene for much of the day to try to fully extinguish the fire and monitor for hotspots at 61 Grand River Ave.
“Biggest challenge right now is keeping the firefighters safe and warm from the elements. Fire crews are rotating, heading back to stations and then back to the fire,” Brantford Fire Chief Todd Binkley told CTV News. “To replenish, rest, rehydrate, stay warm. And then we’ll continue that process. We also use our off duty crews to come back in for callbacks.”
GrandBridge Energy Inc. was forced to disconnect power in the area due to overhead lines and a nearby underground hydro vault, according to the City of Brantford.
Fire crews were first called around 2:30 a.m. When they arrived, flames were shooting out of the two-storey building.
“We immediately began defensive operations,” Binkley said. “Firefighters arrived from three stations...due to the instability of the structure, firefighters had not been able to enter the structure. However, we don’t believe there was anyone is inside. Fire prevention will be on scene to start the investigation.”
Aerial ladders were used to attack the fire and several surrounding streets were blocked off as a safety precaution.
Homes that are adjacent to the building were evacuated.
No injuries have been reported.
According to Binkley, the building was primarily used for storage.
“So, due to the significant damage in the building and for safety, as the building is very close to the road, we’re going to have to bring in an excavator and start to dismantle this building,” Binkley explained. “The building will have to come down so it’s safe for the public to be around and open these roads back up again.”
It’s unclear what caused the fire.
As of 1 p.m. Sunday, GrandBridge Energy Inc. said power had been restored to affected residents.
On Monday, the Grand Erie District School Board alerted students and staff at Brantford Collegiate Institute and Vocational School that the school would be closed for the day due to lack of heat in the building.
“GrandBridge Energy Inc. had to disconnect power in the area, which directly impacted the heating systems in our school. The health and safety of students and staff is always our top priority. While the power and heating systems has not been restored, the school is closed, and educators will make work available to students on Brightspace. We will provide an update as more information becomes available,” the alert read in part.
In an email to CTV News, a school board spokesperson confirmed that the school will be open on Tuesday.
“The health and safety of students and staff is always our top priority. As the power and heating systems have not been restored, the school is closed, and educators will make work available to students on Brightspace. We will provide an update as more information becomes available,” said a statement from the school.
