Thunder Bay fire crews are still dealing with an overnight fire at the Odd Fellows Hall on May Street.
Crews were first called to the scene Sunday night around nine pm.
Officials say they encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions on the third floor of the building. The structure had been vacant of occupants for several months with power and utilities cut off from the building.
District Chief Tony Smodis tells us as of Monday afternoon the fire is still smouldering.
“The roof has collapsed and has created some voids in there where water doesn’t seem to be getting to it and it’s just smouldering. We are waiting for it to break through so we can hit it and knock it down again,” Smodis explains.
The District Chief adds it could be days before the fire is officially considered out.
Smodis adds people are asked to avoid the area if they can because there is still smoke and ice has formed on the sidewalks and road from their fire fighting efforts.
Due to the amount of smoke coming from the fire Shelter House is closing their shelter and evacuating their building.
Their services including meals are temporarily closed during this time.
The cause of the fire is unknown and investigators have been notified and will attend the scene Monday to try to determine the cause of the blaze.
A total of five pumper rescues and two aerial ladder trucks in addition to a Command vehicle and Mobile Command Post were present at the scene throughout Sunday night.
A fire hose connected to a ground pumper directs water at the fire at the former Odd Fellows Hall on May Street. (Staff Photo)
