Police in Sault Ste. Marie are asking the public to avoid Gore Street on Thursday as emergency responders investigate reports of an explosion at a building. Police, fire and emergency medical services are all on the scene, police said in a news release. “Gore Street and the surrounding area may be experiencing road closures,” police said. “Community members are urged to take alternate routes if they are travelling in the area.” In a news release later Thursday, Sault fire officials said a firefighter had been sent to hospital “for precautionary reasons.” “There were no other injuries to report,” the release said. Emergency crews arrived on the scene around 11:45 a.m. “Upon arrival, significant smoke and flames were visible,” officials said. “Fire crews were able to contain and extinguish the fire. Fire crews remain on scene.” A video posted on YouTube shows smoke billowing from a former laundromat and internet cafe on Gore Street. Emergency vehicles are shown arriving as a crowd gathers around outside. PUC Services, Enbridge Gas, EMS and The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service attended the scene, the release said. “The incident is currently under investigation. The Ontario Fire Marshal will be attending,” the release said. “There is extensive damage to the main-level commercial building with multi-unit residential on the second level.”
