A fire is burning in Kingston, Ontario on Tuesday, but firefighters have it “largely under control,” the city said in a 5:10 p.m. update.
The fire began burning at an apartment building under construction on Princess Street at Victoria Street, reported the Canadian Press. It spread to the south side of the street, and toward the Legion Villa. It also neared the Stinson gsa station, which the Kingston Police said earlir is “concerning.”
“Staff confirmed gas main-pumps shut off but still a danger,” it said via Twitter.
The perimeter has been extended to Concession Street to the north and west, Albert Street to the east, and Dundas Street to the south. A second evacuation zone is South Bartlett to the north, Victoria Street to the east, Dundas Street to the south, and Macdhonnell Street to the west. Both evacuation zones are mandatory.
Witnesses said large chunks of debris were flying off the building.
A crane operator was trapped, but officials sent in a helicopter and rescued him. He was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Other buildings have caught fire as well.
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The fire was caused by explosions at the construction site, reported CTV. Dozens of firefighters are battling the blaze.
“Please avoid the area for several blocks to for safety reasons and to allow emergency providers to properly do their job,” the Kingston Police said via Facebook. “Anyway residing within a few blocks is advised to evacuate the area and temporarily stay with friends and family.”
Portsmouth Olympic Harbour at the bottom of Yonge Street has been made into an evacuation center. Transit buses are being used to evacuate residences to the harbour.
The public is asked to conserve water in the area.
Transit buses are delayed and rerouted in the area, the city said. Power and gas services are disrupted in parts of downtown in order to make the fire scene safe, Utilities Kingston said.
Story developing; check back for updates
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