Division Street vacant house demolished following serious fire
A giant blaze that could be seen for blocks destroyed a house on Division Street in the early morning of Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020.
Kingston Fire and Rescue crews responded to the working fire in the 470 block of Division Street at approximately 2:13 a.m. The building, which was vacant at the time, was completely engulfed in flames, and took firefighters hours to knock down and ensure all hot spots were extinguished. The fire closed Division Street between Russell Street and Stephen Street for over 10 hours as Kingston Fire and Rescue and Kingston Police tended to and investigated the fire.
The fire as seen from blocks away in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020. Photo by Ryan Denee.
Kingston Fire and Rescue brought in heavy construction equipment to demolish the remaining walls of the building. That work was completed by 12:15 p.m. and, while Division Street was reopened, the investigation remains ongoing. According to Kingston Fire and Rescue, there were no injuries as a result, and damages from the fire are estimated at $175,000.
Anyone with any information regarding the incident is asked to contact Kingston Police at 613-549-4660 ext. 0.
While the fire kept those with Kingston Fire and Rescue busy working in the -4 degree temperatures, a nearby coffee shop and Kingston institution was able to bring some warmth to the situation.
“So I’m warming up inside Coffee Way on Division Street. An @KtownFire firefighter came in to get some of the guys warm coffees, and when he went to pay the cashier stated that it was on the house and said “I’m not supposed to charge any of you guys.’” Dominic Owens reported on Twitter. “Helmets off to Coffee Way!”
Kingston Fire and Rescue confirmed this account on social media, thanking Coffee Way for their support.
“From all of us at KFR, thank you Coffee Way for your hospitality and generosity! It’s because of businesses like you, that makes Kingston such a great community!” the local fire department said on Facebook.“Gotta love those donuts! New Years Resolution is officially over!”
