Earlier on Thursday afternoon, fire crews attended a trash compactor dumpster fire that erupted near the Canadian Tire store on Veterans Boulevard northeast.

According to The City's Fire Chief, a large compacter caught fire and the sprinkler system had kept it from extending inside.

"There will be plumes of black smoke and strong odours as we have a bit of wind right now. Road access on the west side of Canadian Tire is shut down. Crews will be on scene for a while as they await a heavy tow truck to pull the compacter away to a safe distance."

He underlined the vital importance of sprinkler systems.

"Sprinkler systems are crucial to saving lives and preserving buildings as this fire demonstrated today. There are no injuries reported and the store was completely evacuated."

Before 2 p.m. fire crews cleared the scene after the trash compactor was hauled away from the building. According to the Incident Commander, the fire was brought under control. It is unclear when the store will re-open. 

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