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Wow how would a fire start on the 5th floor of an empty building

I don't know most logical answer would be electrical.  
 
Edited by BiG Mack, 2020-12-27 12:06:42

homeless

When the fire happened. It was the coldest day of the year. Probably had a small fire going to keep warm in that building

What probably happened at the original building is that Mackenzie seeds had a space heater sitting in a spot where they didn't want to freeze. And the cold brought on either an overload of the heater or the electrical leading to the heater. Simple as that.  
 
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

The owners of the McKenzie Seed Company sold the McKenzie building a number of years ago. Therefore, they would not have a need to have a heater in the building. The building is owned by a company in B.C.

I thought it was stated that the Fire Department had to use the ladder truck to break a window to get in. So what?... Homeless folk or no-good-nicks started a fire and locked up during their panic to get out? Seems more likely, to me, of an electrical fault then some form of trespassing mischief with a impulsive conscious for keeping people out. That's all I'm saying.  
...So yeah, I did forget that the building is owned by a absent landlord. But who would let the pipes freeze? That would be dumb for an investment property.  
 
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

And only $1,000 damage

The building is empty, there is nothing of value in it. The fire report said a pile of rubbish. $1000 damage is probably generous.

Building has been abandoned for yrs and it is owned by company in BC. With it being empty all this time all the plumbing would be drained so would have no reason to keep anything warm. Plus I doubt if they even have power hooked up anymore..why would they need it..could be wrong.. just my opinion

When people complain about homeless trying to stay warm in there, but are ok with a building being left empty for years and a serious fire hazard developing. The owner is probably happy to have it go up in flames. I’m sure the word insurance comes to mind. Does the city of Brandon not put any pressure on these building owners to either demolish the buildings or find a use for it?

The damage was probably ruined paint on the floors and/or columns. That floor wouldn't have anything notable in it to damage otherwise.  
 
Sylv

I agree something should be done with the building. If it goes up in flames how many other buildings and lives would it put in danger

The mayor can chime in on this..

What is sad is when people defend people breaking and entering and causing mischief and other damage to other people's property. Yes homelessness is a problem in Brandon but doesn't mean they should be allowed to squat, vandalize and break in to property. Why don't you take a few of these people and put them up on your house Pasquale. You can feed, water and put some clothes on them. I'm sure they would be appreciative of your generosity. And lastly it's also not the mayor's job to look after them either... Instead of blaming everyone why don't you do something yourself to address the problem or at the very least come up with some suggestions and potential solutions.  
 
Edited by BiG Mack, 2020-12-28 08:35:11

The building is unheated. Probably colder inside than out.  
 
The building is all concrete and brick. No paint or other flammable finishings.

Yes I'm waiting for the day where someone in Brandon does what that guy in Winnipeg is doing. He's raising money and buying alot of goods for the homeless. I don't think the media has reported on his good deeds mostly because he doesn't want to talk to them. He's FN and he wants to help FN!  
 
Someone needs to get on the FN chiefs rear too and get them to look after their people in the cities! The FN get federal cash to care for their people so why can't they build a homeless shelter in Winnipeg or Brandon? I do know that FN have distributed covid cash to off reserve members and they also give them gift cards to help with costs at Christmas so why can't they set money aside to help those people who leave the reserve to come to the bigger city? Can't be an easy transition for the people to make.

Start the ball rolling, maybe he will follow your lead in this case....

Perhaps reread my post. You will have to let me know where I said the mayor should take care of homeless people. I said maybe he can do something about the dozens of empty buildings in downtown. THAT is his responsibility. Take your time and read this slowly, so you don’t misinterpret what isn’t said to begin with.