Extensive ice build-up can be seen on the exterior building at 11:28 a.m. on Feb. 24, 2023. (Photo Courtesy Sarah Jones/Lethbridge News NOW)

By Justin Goulet, Sarah Jones/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Building structure compromised following downtown Lethbridge fire

Feb 24, 2023 | 3:21 PM

UPDATE: Feb. 24 at 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 a.m. on Friday, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services crews responded from four stations to a structure fire in the 200 block of Fifth 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.

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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 Second Avenue and Fifth 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: Feb. 24 at 9:35 a.m.

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

Crews were on site early Friday 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 Fifth Street from First Avenue and Third Avenue, along with Second Avenue at Fourth 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: Feb. 24 at 7:46 a.m.

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

Early Friday 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 Fifth Street from First Avenue and Third Avenue, and the closure of Second Avenue at Fourth Street. The City of Lethbridge is asking residents to avoid the area.

More details will be provided once they are available.