Century-old Fredericton home destroyed by fire

Fredericton Fire crews were able to recover some of the personal items of a local artist and elderly tenant.

In a tweet, fire officials said because of the damage, it had to demolish the home.

As of5 p.m., fire, police, ambulance, Red Cross, Enbridge Gas and NB Power crews were on site,about four hours after firefighters were called to the scene on the city's north side, saidcity spokeswomanAlyciaMorehouse.

"It's been a tough fire to fight with a lot of resources. It's a 100-year old building that presented a lot of challenges," she said.

Thick smoke was billowing from the home and flames quickly spread to the second and third floors.

Two people were safely removed from apartments in the back of the building, saidMorehouse.

The cause is under investigation, she said.

Earlier this week, the fire department said impatient motorists hadendangered the lives of firefighters and jeopardized a couple's home in Lincoln by driving over water hoses.

It is illegal under the provincial Motor Vehicle Actto drive over a fire hose. The offence carries a fine of $172.50.

The department tweeted that it was "saddened" and "disappointed."

"This is our life line when fighting a fire," the tweet said."Please help keep us safe."