2 days ago
Weekend tours at historic Kingston Penitentiary cancelled after overnight fire
The Kingston Penitentiary is shown in an April 19, 2012 photo. (Lars Hagberg / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Firefighters were called to a fire at the former maximum-security prison in Kingston, Ont. overnight.
A news release from Kingston Fire & Rescue says crews were sent to the historic Kingston Penitentiary at 500 King Street West early Saturday and found flames in the roof area of Cell Block 1.
An aerial apparatus was initially set up and started to battle the fire from the exterior of the prison's walls. Fire crews had to forcibly enter the structure after multiple attempts to enter with keys failed, Kingston Fire says.
Once firefighters were able to enter the prison, they were able to bring the fire under control at approximately 5:15 a.m.
One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion but was not transported to hospital and remained on scene. Crews were able to clear the scene by 6:30 a.m.
A statement to the Kingston Penitentiary website says all tours of the facility will be cancelled this weekend due to 'unforeseen safety matters.'
'For the safety of our guests and staff, tours are temporarily paused this weekend. All ticket holders will automatically receive a full refund. No further action is needed. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding,' the statement said.
The site previously operated as a maximum-security prison from 1835 until its closure in 2013. It is now a popular tourist destination and a national historic site.
The cause of the fire remains unclear.
