Residents of the Yates neighbourhood in St. Catharines are still being asked to shelter in place.
Firefighters continue to battle the blaze at Welland House Hotel, and have been onsite since before 5:30 this morning.
Fire Chief Jeff McCormick says residents need to stay where they are and motorists should find alternate routes.
McCormick also says crews are expected to remain at the scene into the evening.
"We are still actively engaged in fighting the fire and will be doing so for probably most of the afternoon and into the evening," Chief McCormick notes.
Nearby residents are advised to stay indoors, close all windows, doors, vents and dampers, and turn off furnace, air conditioners and other exhaust systems.
Drivers are still being asked to avoid William Street, Ontario Street between Church and St. Paul, and King Street from Ontario to Queen.
No injuries have been reported, and officials will determine the fate of the building in the coming hours, depending on the structural integrity.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Crews are still battling the blaze at the Welland House Hotel in St. Catharines.
Residents of Yates Street are still being asked to shelter in place after a fire broke out in the early morning hours.
While the building was vacant when the fire started, it had been used for student housing.
All six of the city's fire halls have been involved in the effort, with further support coming from fire stations in Pelham and Thorold.
No injuries have been reported so far, but three road closures remain in place: Ontario Street between Church and St. Paul, King Street from Ontario to Queen, and William Street.
Mayor Walter Sendzik notes it's the largest fire he can remember in the city's downtown area.
"It is a historic landmark. It is a historically designated building by council, so this is a very unfortunate incident that has taken place in downtown St. Catharines."
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