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

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Downtown Lethbridge fire deemed suspicious, police seeking footage

Feb 24, 2023 | 11:24 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is continuing to investigate a fire in the downtown core.

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services was called to the Lethbridge Hotel on the 200 block of Fifth Street South just after 2 a.m. on Feb. 24.

Upon arrival, crews observed visible flames coming from the upper levels of the building and immediately began fire suppression efforts.

Due to the extremely cold temperatures, the City of Lethbridge says there was an extensive accumulation of ice, which led to the structure of the building being compromised.

The building was demolished late Friday afternoon.

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LPS says it is considering the fire to be suspicious and is asking anyone who may have been driving in the area between 1:45 a.m. and 2:15 a.m. on Feb. 24, to check their dash cameras for any activities in the vicinity of the hotel.

Police are also seeking anyone who was walking in the area and who may have observed people or activity around the hotel to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call LPS at 403-328-4444.

The investigation is ongoing.