Fredericton grandstand damaged in fire

CBC News reported that a fire that began Sunday night (May 9) caused severe damage to the open harness racing grandstand at the Fredericton Exhibition Grounds.

It was reported shortly after 10 p.m., said a spokesperson for the Fredericton Fire Department and Fredericton Police Force.

MIke Vokey, executive director of NB Ex, which operates the site, said he found out about the fire when he saw images on social media of bright orange flames above the rooftop of the main exhibition building.

It turned out to be not as bad as it looked, said Vokey.

In the photos, the fire appeared larger than the open grandstand and as if the main building could be on fire, he said.

But apparently that was because the bleachers are made mostly of wood, he said, adding there was more wood being stored beneath them.

“That all got burned as well, so it caused a bigger flame,” he said.

“Fortunately,” the fire department was quick to respond, said Vokey, and firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to the closed grandstand or the main building.

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Republished from CBC News