James Street Bridge Fire
FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION – An incredible fire broke out on the James Street Swing Bridge connecting Thunder Bay to Fort William First Nation at around 7 p.m. today.
Police and fire crews shut down the bridge as plumes of dark smoke and fire were seen coming from the bridge.
“We got a report of some smoke and a little bit of fire showing from the bridge a little bit after 7 p.m., I believe. When our crews arrived there was significant smoke and flames from the north end of the bridge,” said John Hay Fire Chief of Thunder Bay, ON.
Several fire and police crews and vehicles were on sight to manage the situation.
The fire was quickly extinguished but, the causation of the fire was still being investigated as crews continued to maintain the fire and large crowds of spectators.
“It is way too earlier for us to speculate on the cause of the fire,” said Hay.
Vehicles and pedestrians will need to find alternate routes to travel between the two communities.
“The bridge will be closed until further notice. The railroad company and city will need to get together and get some engineers to give an assessment of the damage. Use Highway 61 B or City Road to get in to and out of Fort William First Nation and Chippewa area. Use the expressway,” said Hay.
At 9 p.m. the fire was still smoking as firefighters continued to control and assess the situation.
“Our incident commander hasn’t given us the under control yet. I don’t think that’s far away.”
James Street Swing Bridge fire incident results and conditions will be updated as more information comes in.
“Listen to the media, listen to the radio and listen to the other media stations. They will tell you when people can access the bridge again,” said Hay.
For updates, people can contact the City of Thunder Bay.
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