Smoke billows over  George Street  in late afternoon fire – photo 250News

Prince George, B.C.-  The cause of a fire that  sent thick smoke throughout the downtown core of Prince George late this afternoon has been deemed “suspicious”.

Prince George fire Rescue responded to  what was initially reported as a  wildland/grass fire in the 500 block of George Street  at about 4:45.

When fire crews arrived on scene, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from behind a plywood façade between the building that  was  home to Ric’s Grill and the old PhotoFax business.

The fire turned out to be in an old basement structure, long abandoned, that was being used by homeless people.

Fire crews from two halls worked to quell the stubborn fire.

Fortunately they were able to stop the fire from spreading to the adjoining buildings.

There are no reported injuries.

Fire investigators from both RCMP and Prince George Fire Rescue will be on scene tomorrow.