UPDATE: Fire at Memorial Centre

Update (Monday, Nov. 29, 2021):

At approximately 5:25 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) responded to the 300 block of York Street for a reported burn complaint at the Memorial Centre Barns.

According to the KFR, upon arrival, fire crews observed heavy smoke and flames visible from the exterior of the barn. The fire was extinguished quickly and shortly after fire crews ventilated the building, and checked for fire extension. There were no injuries and damages are estimated at $5,000. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

Original Article:

Kingston Fire & Rescue crews were on the scene of a working fire in the barns on the Memorial Centre property, located at 303 York St near Albert Street, at around 5:45 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.

The call initially came in as a burn complaint at 2 King Street West at Memorial Park, however crews were redirected to the Memorial Centre shortly thereafter.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke coming from the barns, however no major flames were visible from outside the barns. Crews quickly put out the fire and were clear of the area by around 7:10 a.m.

The barn area at the Memorial Centre has recently been used to shelter unhoused individuals. It is not yet known if the barn affected by the fire was occupied at the time. There were no injuries reported as a result of the incident.

The cause of the fire and damage amount has yet to be determined and the investigation continues. More info will be released as it becomes available.