Destructive fires have hit a historic block of Brandon based businesses near 7th and Pacific Avenue Saturday afternoon.

Flames could be seen bursting through the buildings as clouds of smoke covered the sky over Brandon.

Christie’s Office Plus, a local beer vendor and nightclub have burned down. Two other buildings caught fire.

A spokesperson with the city of Brandon says the initial fire broke out at Christie’s Office Plus around the noon hour and embers spread across the street to a multi-floor apartment complex called Massey Manor, an old warehouse that was converted into a 58-unit affordable housing complex.

The Red Cross is helping anyone who is displaced find housing for the meantime.

The spokesperson with the City of Brandon said embers drifted further and started a fire at a beer vendor and vacant dance club that’s connected to a downtown hotel. The Hotel on that property was still standing.

The spokesperson also said a supply store called Collyers is also involved.

The challenges for Brandon Fire and Emergency services extended past just the fires they’re fighting.

“Resources, pumps, staff, hose lines all those kinds of things, it’s a matter of trying to coordinate it all and at four different locations,” said Brandon Fire and Emergency Services Chief Brent Dane

The fire is one of the biggest in modern history to hit Brandon and one that required help from neighbouring cities.

“First time in our history that we’ve had to call in mutual aid, we had departments from Souris, Wawanesa, Carberry, CFB Shilo come and help us,” said Dane.

The area has been a staple in the city of Brandon for a long time, and some are sensing the loss in their community.

“For me, Christie’s has been a part of Brandon for as long as I know It’s heartbreaking, you know everyone who works there, it’s devastating to see it all gone,” said Kaileea Marie Graham, a local resident. “There’s nothing left. Everyone there is in shock, they’re confused – how did it happen, why did it happen – how did it go down so quickly. We’re all shocked.”

The causes of the fires are unknown at this point.