Fire officials have launched investigations into a major blaze that destroyed a two-storey building on Wehner Road on Wednesday afternoon, forcing occupants to flee and drawing a massive emergency response.

Several fire tenders were dispatched to the scene as firefighters battled for hours to bring the fire under control.

Residents reported hearing popping sounds before seeing smoke coming from a nearby generator shortly after an island-wide power outage earlier in the day.

The building reportedly housed Vince’s Hardware Store on the lower level along with a restaurant, while people were believed to be upstairs at the time the fire broke out.

Those inside managed to escape safely, reportedly grabbing important documents and personal belongings before the flames intensified.

By approximately 5 p.m., the number of fire tenders at the scene had increased to five as firefighters struggled to contain the blaze.

Emergency crews also faced significant challenges due to limited water supplies, with reports indicating the earlier power outage affected nearby fire hydrants, forcing crews to make repeated trips to alternative water sources.

Witnesses also reported hearing multiple explosions during the fire, including what was believed to have been a gas-related blast.

Firefighters remained on the scene late into the evening as investigations continued into the cause of the fire.