Markham residents are lamenting the fire damage done today to one of the town’s historic sites, the Queen’s Hotel at Main St. and Carlton Road. A blaze which is now under control broke out about 12.30 p.m. Firefighters were at the scene within seconds and have fought the blaze through the day to limit damage. Many on the street have voiced the hope that the hotel can be restored. Photos on the right were tweeted. The top photo was snapped by Dave Tucci just as the fire department turned on the water. Numerous units attended the scene. Six pumpers, two aerial units, two command units and an air-light unit were called out. Around 36 firefighters were on the scene to deal with the blaze. “They’re having difficulty because it’s concealed spaces, it’s an older building,” Chief Phillip Alexander told the Toronto Star. Some people were inside the building when the fire broke out, Alexander said. But everyone was able to get out, and no one was injured.The Queen’s Hotel was built in 1871 when railways first reached the village. It was a major social centre in the area for decades, before eventually being converted to retail and executive offices. It is surrounded by several historic buildings, including the sites of the former post office and general store.
