'Building a total loss': North Bay firefighters battle blaze downtown

A building in downtown North Bay is destroyed after a fire broke out overnight and 2,000 patients from a nurse practitioner-led clinic have been displaced as a result.

The first emergency call about the fire at a commercial building on Main Street East was received just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.

North Bay Deputy Fire Chief Greg Saunders told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca in a phone interview, the building has two commercial spaces on the main floor and six apartments on the second floor.

Everyone was able to evacuate and no injuries have been reported as a result of the blaze.

One of the businesses impacted is the North Bay Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic at 179 Main Street East.

It sustained heavy smoke and water damage and will be closed for the foreseeable future, clinic director Jaymie-lynn Blanchard told CTV News videojournalist Eric Taschner in an interview.

The clinic's 2,000 patients will be reallocated to the West Ferris location on Lakeshore Drive as a result.

"You will be contacted by our staff to reschedule your appointments. If you require an appointment, please contact our West Ferris location at 705-478-7671," the clinic said in a post on social media.

"We will keep you informed as the situation evolves. Thank you for your patience and support."

The clinic was impacted in 2019 after a fire in the same building and had to do extensive renovations before being able to reopen.

The Cedar Tree Lebanese Restaurant at 183 Main Street East announced it will be closed indefinitely as a result of the fire.

"Thank you everyone for your overwhelming support during this difficult time," the restaurant said in a post on social media.

"We are deeply grateful for your kindness and understanding as we work through this challenge."

Saunders called the structure "a total loss" and said the fire had not been extinguished as of 8 a.m.

In addition to the 13 firefighters on duty, they called in 12 extra from three off-duty crews to help battle the blaze.

The deputy chief said fire crews did an amazing job on the attack and went into the building 10-12 times, but when the fire went into the roof, it was too far gone at that point.

Saunders said the whole block is shut down and firefighters will be on scene for most of the day.

People are asked to avoid the area to give them room to work.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Transit has been temporarily moved to the front of city hall.

"Bus transfers will take place at the stop on McIntyre Street outside City Hall until further updates are provided. Transit staff are located in the lobby of City Hall for those who need assistance," the City of North Bay said in a news release.

"Additionally, municipal parking lots 10 and 13, located at the end of Wyld Street, are presently inaccessible. Permit holders for these lots are authorized to park at any alternative municipal lot or on-street parking spot without the risk of receiving a parking ticket."

The building was torn down Tuesday afternoon and clean up crews are expected to remain on site all night.

With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Eric Taschner