A huge fire is still being fought at Mohawk Plaza in Brantford.
The raging roof fire has already destroyed much of the plaza on Colborne Street and firefighters on the scene continue to try and halt the flames as they move west along the adjoining units.
Deputy Fire Chief Dwayne Armstrong said Tuesday morning Brantford Fire responded to the call at 1:40 a.m. and found the west end of the plaza – by the vacant Mohawk Bowl – filled with smoke and visible flames.
“Crews have worked really, really hard over night,” Armstrong said.
“It’s a tough fire for them to get out because of the combustible roof structure.”
Armstrong said the roof is wooden and layered with tar and asphalt, typical of older plaza buildings.
He indicated the fire has damaged much of the old bowling alley and already moved into the next units, including the Army and Navy Club.
“I think there’s another unit after that and then a barber shop. We’ve currently got it stopped before the barber shop and we’re hoping to hold it there.”
The next in line is the large Liquidation World store.
Armstrong said the entire plaza is currently closed to the public.
While firefighters can’t begin to estimate the amount of damage yet, a police and Ontario Fire Marshal investigation will take place to determine how the fire started.
The Expositor heard from someone on the scene in the night that a boarded up entrance to the bowling alley was found broken open.
Brantford Police spokesperson said the source of the fire is still under investigation but Robin Matthews-Osmond confirmed police have had complaints about the vacant building.
“I can confirm there have been occurrences where individuals who are of no fixed address have been around the property,” she said.
Meanwhile, firefighters continue to hold the flames at bay.
“It’s still an active fire,” said Armstrong.
“We’re still trying to make sure it gets stopped.”