A building on 2 Avenue South and 5 Street South is demolished following a fire on February 24, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet / Sarah Jones / David Opinko

UPDATE: Building structure compromised following downtown Lethbridge fire

Feb 24, 2023 | 7:46 AM

UPDATE: February 24 @ 4:05 p.m.

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge says a downtown building will be demolished following a fire.

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services were called to the Lethbridge Hotel just after 2:00 a.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Due to the extreme cold temperatures, officials say there has been an extensive accumulation of ice during fire suppression efforts. This has lead to the integrity of the building being compromised.

As a result, the fire department says demolition will occur Friday afternoon. Firefighters will remain on scene to monitor the building and extinguish any hot spots as needed.

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The site will be fenced off and the public is asked to avoid the area for the time being.

UPDATE: February 24 @ 12:46 p.m.

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge has provided an update on the devastating fire that caused extensive damage to one building downtown.

Just after 2:00 a.m. on Friday, February 24, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services crews responded from four stations to a structure fire in the 200 block of 5 Street South.

Upon arrival, the vacant building showed visible flames from the upper levels and 28 crew members worked quickly to stop the blaze from spreading.

Extensive ice build-up can be seen on the exterior building at 11:28 a.m. on February 24, 2023. (Photo: S Jones | LNN)

Due to the extreme cold temperatures, first responders are concerned about the extensive ice buildup on the exterior of the building as it could compromise the structure.

The public is asked to avoid the area from 2 Avenue and 5 Street South until it is deemed safe by Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services.

The City of Lethbridge indicates that vacant buildings are subject to facing a number of risks during the time they are unoccupied such as trespassing and fire.

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services crews responded from four stations with 28 members at approximately 2:15 a.m. on February 24, 2023. (Photo: S Jones | LNN)

In a statement from the City, “Lethbridge Fire reminds all property owners of the importance of safely securing vacant buildings. This includes residential homes, garages and commercial properties.”

“A fire in a vacant property is not only a threat to that structure but also jeopardize surrounding buildings and the lives of members of the public and firefighters,” city officials say.

To date, there have been no reports of injuries and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

More details will be provided once they are available.

UPDATE: February 24 @ 9:35 a.m.

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Firefighters in Lethbridge remain on scene in the downtown suppressing a fire.

Crews were on site early Friday, February 24, 2023 at a building across from Galt Gardens. A road closure remains in effect in the area.

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services on scene of a fire in downtown Lethbridge, February 24, 2023. (Photo: S. Jones – LNN)

Crews have closed off 5 Street from 1 Avenue and 3 Avenue, along with 2 Avenue at 4 Street.

Smoke scene as a result of a fire in downtown Lethbridge, February 24, 2023. (Photo: S. Jones – LNN)

More smoke seen from a downtown Lethbridge fire, February 24, 2023. (Photo: S. Jones – LNN)

The City of Lethbridge continues to ask residents to avoid the area.

ORIGINAL STORY: February 24 @ 7:46 a.m.

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Emergency responders had a busy start to their Friday morning.

Early Friday, February 24, 2023, crews responded to a fire in downtown Lethbridge.

A fire in downtown Lethbridge Friday morning resulted in a road closure, February 24, 2023. (Photo: J. Goulet – LNN)

The incident resulted in the closure of 5 Street from 1 Avenue and 3 Avenue, and the closure of 2 Avenue at 4 Street. The City of Lethbridge is asking residents to avoid the area.

More details will be provided once they are available.

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