Just after 2 a.m. on Jan. 27 calls were received by the dispatch center indicating a small fire at the rear of 72 Mecklenburg Street in Saint John's south end.
First arriving police officers reported a small fire in the rear, which grew quickly before apparatus arrived. First crews arriving found heavy fire throughout the vacant three-story ballon construction structure.
The fire spread rapidly and the assignment was upgraded to a fourth alarm. Crews went to a defensive attack when the fire extended into an adjoining occupied three-story apartment complex.
Firefighters battled winds, frozen hydrants, and temperatures that reached -25F (-35C) degrees.
The fire left 23 people homeless, however no injuries were reported.
Units on scene: E1, LT1, R4, E6, E8, E2, Q5, Unit 84, F3, F4, F1, F7
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