A major victoria fire engulfed the former Traveller’s Inn property near Queens Avenue early Saturday, sending thick smoke across downtown and bringing police and fire crews to the area.
The blaze was reported shortly after 6 a.m. on October 24, 2026, near the intersection of Bay Street, Douglas Street, Blanshard Street and Queens Avenue.
Images and videos from the scene showed flames rising from the former hotel site, with smoke visible across much of central Victoria.
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Victoria Fire: Fire crews respond near Queens Avenue
Emergency crews were called to the area as the fire spread through the building, which has also been known as Hotel 760 and is located at 760 Queens Avenue.
Police and firefighters remained in the area while crews worked to control the blaze and assess the condition of the structure.
Drivers and pedestrians were advised to avoid the surrounding streets while emergency operations continued.
Reports from the scene indicated closures and traffic diversions around Queens Avenue, Blanshard Street, Douglas Street and Bay Street.
The smoke was strong enough to be noticed several blocks from the property, including in downtown neighbourhoods south and west of the fire.
What is known about the building
The property was formerly operated as the Traveller’s Inn and was damaged by a previous fire in 2016.
It had remained vacant or only intermittently occupied in the years since, according to local property reporting and accounts from residents familiar with the site.
The building’s condition and occupancy status had not been officially detailed by authorities in the initial updates on Saturday.
Because the structure had been boarded up and unused for an extended period, officials will likely need to determine whether anyone was inside when the fire began.
No confirmed injuries or cause
There was no confirmed information early Saturday about injuries, deaths or the full extent of the property damage.
The cause of the fire had also not been released.
Authorities had not publicly characterized the fire as accidental, suspicious or deliberate, and speculation from people at the scene had not been verified.
Investigators will typically examine the building after firefighters declare the site safe, although damage and structural instability may delay that work.
What residents should know
People in the area should avoid approaching the fire scene and follow directions from emergency personnel.
Residents affected by smoke can reduce exposure by closing windows and doors, moving indoors and limiting strenuous outdoor activity while smoke remains heavy.
Anyone who sees flames, hazardous conditions or people in immediate danger should call 911 rather than approaching the building.
Traffic conditions may change as crews continue suppression work, investigate the fire and secure the surrounding streets.
Further updates are expected from the Victoria Fire Department, the City of Victoria and police once officials confirm the number of responding units, the building’s condition and whether anyone was displaced.
What happens next
Fire investigators are expected to examine the origin and cause of the blaze once the structure can be safely entered.
Officials may also assess nearby buildings, utility services, air quality concerns and the need for extended road closures.
The fire could also renew questions about the long-term condition, ownership and redevelopment of the former hotel property, which has been the subject of previous fire and housing concerns.
Those issues remain separate from the active emergency response, and no conclusions about responsibility should be drawn before investigators complete their work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Victoria fire happen?
The fire was reported at the former Traveller’s Inn property at 760 Queens Avenue, near Bay, Douglas and Blanshard streets in Victoria.
When did the Victoria fire start?
The fire was reported shortly after 6 a.m. local time on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Were there injuries in the fire?
Authorities had not confirmed any injuries, deaths or evacuations in the initial updates available Saturday morning.
What caused the fire?
The cause had not been released, and officials had not publicly classified the fire as accidental, suspicious or deliberate.
Are roads near the fire closed?
Traffic restrictions and diversions were reported around Queens Avenue, Bay Street, Douglas Street and Blanshard Street while emergency crews worked.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against current local reporting, City of Victoria information and Victoria Police public resources, with unconfirmed claims excluded.
Disclaimer: Conditions, road closures and official findings may change as crews complete suppression work and investigators assess the property.