The Town of Athabasca is advising residents their water pressure could be affected by the ongoing efforts to extinguish the fire.
Athabasca County regional fire chief Travis Shalapay said crews got the call at 5:41 a.m. on Tuesday morning that a fire had broken out at the Grand Union Hotel. Heavy smoke was visible on arrival.
Crews and equipment from Boyle, Colinton, Rochester, Baptiste Lake, Richmond park, Grassland and Lac La Biche are on scene to assist.
Highway 2 between 50 Street and 49 Street is closed as firefighters battle the blaze, as is 50 Street between 49 Avenue and Highway 2 and a portion of 49 Street. Town staff and contractors such as Emco and Fortis have been helping to secure the roads and surrounding areas.
Trident Pumps is also on scene to allow fire crews to pump water directly from the river.
