Firefighters with Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services responded to a fire Thursday afternoon at the Cranbrook Hotel on Baker Street about 1 p.m. Two apparatus arrived on scene quickly and additional fire personnel were called in.

Firefighters began an interior attack of the fire located in one of the suites and were able to knock it down quickly. Responders found the fire had spread into the structure of the building and work is underway to ensure the fire is completely extinguished.

There were no reported injuries to any of the nearly 20 occupants of the building or first responders. Power is out in the downtown but is expected to be restored late this afternoon or early evening.

As a result of the fire, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated to provide necessary support services to evacuees. Both Interior Health and Emergency Support Services (ESS) are working to arrange safe accommodation to those displaced. An emergency reception centre has been set up at the Heritage Inn.

Both Fire and Emergency Services and the City of Cranbrook are grateful to the support of the Salvation Army for providing transportation, blankets, and hot drinks to the evacuees. Thank you also to the EOC staff, the Regional District of East Kootenay, Interior Health, City Public Works, the Cranbrook RCMP, BC Ambulance, and many other responder teams for providing assistance. It is greatly appreciated.

No cause of the fire is known. The investigation is expected to begin later tonight or Friday morning.

Lead image: Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services on scene of the fire at the Cranbrook Hotel today (Dec. 10). Ian Cobb/e-KNOW photo

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