Shelter in place in effect after massive fire rips through St. Catharines building

UPDATED

Residents in St. Catharines are being told to stay indoors after a massive fire ripped through a large building.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at 30 Ontario St. early Monday morning.

Video from the scene shows flames bursting through the roof of the old building and large plumes of billowing black smoke.

#BreakingNews: Emergency crews are battling a massive fire on Ontario St. in St. Catharines. pic.twitter.com/8xqbvIMH6I

— CHCH News (@CHCHNews) July 12, 2021

The structure was formerly used as a student residence but is currently vacant.

No injuries have been reported.

The city of St. Catharines says a shelter in place is in effect for people in the area as well as those downwind from the blaze.

Residents are being told to go indoors immediately and stay there, close all windows and doors, turn off furnace, air conditions, and other exhaust systems, and close all vents and dampers.

1/3- Roads are closed, and residents of the Yates Street area and those downwind are asked to shelter in place, due to a fire at 30 Ontario St. The following roads are closed:
•Ontario St. from Church St. to St. Paul St.
•William St.
•King St. from Ontario St. to King St. pic.twitter.com/WNxVfrJjIb

— St. Catharines (@St_Catharines) July 12, 2021

Niagara police have shut down several roads in the area. Ontario St., King St., St.Paul St., and William St. are all closed as fire crews continue to battle the blaze.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area.

This is the back of the building. Appears it has partially collapsed. No word on cause of fire. Crews calling for back up water. Large operation right now. @CHCHNews pic.twitter.com/6YBZthHOcV

— Sylvie Lendvay (@sylvie_lendvay) July 12, 2021