Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services crews continue to tamp down and mop up a blaze that destroyed four businesses in the 800 block of Baker Street in the city’s downtown.

Two individuals were rescued from a rooftop overnight, after a significant fire engulfed the building located between Cranbrook Photo and The Choice Boardshop in Cranbrook early Tuesday morning (April 24).

At 1:24 a.m. on Tuesday April 24, Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services received a call from Cranbrook RCMP of a fire in a building located at 806 Baker Street, between 8th Avenue South and 9th Avenue South. Eighteen firefighters, including the Chief and Deputy Chief arrived on scene approximately 1:30 a.m., with two engines and a ladder truck.

Upon firefighters’ arrival, two individuals were found on the roof of the building and were safely rescued. No injuries are known at this time. (Click on photos to enlarge and to begin slide show)

Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services believe the fire originated on the second floor of the building that quickly spread through a common attic area above three adjacent businesses. Fire personnel were able to minimize damage to two nearby businesses – Cranbrook Photo and Boarder’s Choice.

“With our community having such a small department, staff worked all night and were able safely rescue two individuals and minimize damage to both Cranbrook Photo and Boarder’s Choice,” said Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski.

No damage estimate is yet available. Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services remain on scene to continue to mop up the blaze, which will likely take the remainder of the day. No cause has been determined.

Officials are hopeful to begin a formal investigation into the fire later this afternoon. As a result of the fire, the remaining businesses on the north side of Baker Street will be without hydro or gas services for the day. All businesses on the south side of Baker Street have hydro and gas services and expect to be open as usual today.

Baker Street, between 8th Avenue South and 9th Avenue South will also be closed to traffic for the rest of the day. Due to the large volume of water being used by the fire department overnight, residents and businesses may notice their water appears dirty this morning.

Residents are advised the sediment in the water is not considered a health concern. Residents and businesses should simply run their cold water tap until the water runs clear.

The fire was first spotted by a patrolling RCMP officer, who noticed smoke in the downtown core, reported Cpl. Pat Prefontaine.

“The officer located the source and saw smoke coming out of the rear of 806 Baker St. and upon closer inspection saw flame through a rear window,” he stated.

“Other police officers responded and the Cranbrook Fire Department was called. The police officers were not able to gain access to the building and were driven back by erupting flames but they were successful in making enough noise to wake the only two known occupants of the building. After verbal contact was made, the two occupants fled to the roof of an adjacent building where they were evacuated by the fire department,” Cpl. Prefontaine detailed.

RCMP are investigating the blaze, along with the fire department.

If anyone has any additional information about this or about any crime they can call the Cranbrook RCMP at 250-489-3471 or East Kooteney Crimestoppers (1-800-222-TIPS).

You can also Google ‘Cranbrook Crimestoppers’ and leave a webtip.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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