'Corner Gas' building gutted in massive blaze

Aftermath of a blaze in Rouleau, Sask., Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014. (HO-Joan Clarke / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

A building used in the popular CTV sitcom 'Corner Gas' was destroyed by fire Sunday evening.

The single-storey structure, which doubled as the ‘Foo Mar T’ supermarket in the TV show, went up in flames at around 5 p.m. Sunday in Rouleau, Sask. The building had been converted into an orthotic and prosthetic manufacturing facility.

“The building is completely gone,” said Rouleau Mayor Grant Clarke.

Damage to the building is estimated at more than $100,000. No injuries were reported.

Clarke said fire crews were called at around 5 p.m. and the majority of flames were extinguished by 9 p.m. Crews worked overnight to extinguish a few lingering flames.

When the fire alarm went off, about 180 partygoers at the nearby town hall came out to watch the flames, Clarke said. Other residents of the tiny 453-person town also turned out to watch one of their icons go up in smoke.

A witness told CTV Regina that firefighters managed to get the blaze under control, but the roof still collapsed despite their efforts. The stucco walls remain upright.

Placeholder: Burned 'Corner Gas' building: Before and after the fire id: 7.562588

Mayor Grant Clarke said the fire was reported around 5 p.m. and the majority of flames were extinguished by 9 p.m. Crews worked overnight on a few lingering flames.

A witness told CTV Regina that firefighters managed to get the blaze under control, but the roof still collapsed despite their efforts. The stucco walls remain upright.

Crews were on scene Monday morning sifting through rubble. Rouleau Fire Chief Ed Gilchrist told CTV Regina that the fire was a challenge to put out. “We had trouble gaining access because it was quite a secure building,” he said. “We went on a defensive mode to protect the surrounding buildings.”

Clarke said the town is already planning a fundraiser to help.

“You’re sad for the owners because you know them personally, and you’re disappointed for the town as well, because it’s another business in trouble,” Clarke said.

“When you lose a business, it’s going to hurt,” Gilchrist added.

‘Corner Gas’ ran for six seasons on CTV. Its creators recently wrapped production on a ‘Corner Gas’ movie funded by Kickstarter contributions and shot in Rouleau.

Rouleau, located about 50 kilometres southwest of Regina, doubles as the fictional town of Dog River on the show.

‘Corner Gas’ star Brent Butt tweeted about the fire Sunday night.

Fire crews continue to investigate the cause of the fire. RCMP said they do not consider it to be suspicious.

With files from CTV Regina and The Canadian Press.