GUELPH, ON, Sept. 10, 2008 – At approximately 1:40 a.m. this morning, the Guelph Fire Department responded to a reported fire at the above noted location. Units from three city stations arrived at the scene and found very heavy smoke conditions blanketing the neighbourhood. The building involved is the former Country Depot store which used to house a feed mill, retail store and garden centre. Demolition of this building had just commenced on Monday.

The fire was extremely difficult to locate inside the retail portion of the facility because of the heavy smoke conditions. Fire crews attacked the stubborn blaze from three sides of the building. It was located inside the ceiling and was difficult to fight. All attempts were made to keep it from extending into the feed mill at the rear.

At this point all five stations were on scene. Additional fire crews were called in off-duty to staff reserve equipment. It was unknown how long the fire had been burning prior to our arrival. Just after five a.m., interior crews were withdrawn due to fears of the roof structure collapsing. Very shortly thereafter the entire retail portion of the facility flashed over (totally engulfed in flames). In spite of our best efforts, the fire eventually spread into the wooden three and a half storey mill and it was also consumed. Water pressure in the area was affected due to the use of numerous fire hydrants. There were no injuries to Fire personnel, but residents of many high-rise apartment buildings were advised to keep windows closed due to the large volume of smoke.

Royal City Ambulance stood by and Guelph Police assisted with traffic control until Public Works was able to erect barricades to detour traffic. Water Works staff assisted with increased pressure on the system and with identifying water mains