At approximately 1:40 AM August 5th, Canton Fire & Rescue and County Car 4 were activated for a possible structure fire at 45 Gouverneur St., Canton Dairy Queen. Central Dispatch advised that law enforcement units on scene were reporting heavy smoke and explosions at the rear of the building. Within minutes of being activated Engine 6, Rescue 1, and Tower 1 were en route. Upon arrival, Engine 6 advised Central Dispatch it was a working structure fire. The crew from Engine 6 secured a water supply from a nearby hydrant and began fire suppression. Due to the size and complexity of the building as well as the unseasonably warm overnight temperatures, multiple neighboring agencies were called to assist in bringing the fire under control. Fire suppression efforts were made more difficult because of the multiple roof layers which allowed the fire to move within the void space between the original roof and a new truss roof. After an unsuccessful aggressive interior attack, firefighters moved outside to begin defensive tactics. Potsdam Fire's Tower 5 was placed in service at the rear of the building to act as a second elevated master stream. Ultimately the fire was brought under control. Unfortunately, the building was deemed a total loss. Members were back in service at 11:24 am.

Canton Fire and Rescue would like to thank Morley Fire, Rensselaer Falls Fire, Heuvelton Fire, Gouverneur Fire, Potsdam Fire, West Potsdam Fire, Pierrepont Fire, Dekalb Fire, and Canton PD for their assistance with this morning's fire. At this time, New York State Fire Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is handling the investigation i n conjuntion with the Canton Police Department.