VIDEO: 2 Buildings Destroyed By Fire In Saint John

Fire crews are still battling a major fire in the south end in Saint John, which has completely destroyed 2 buildings and caused serious water and smoke damage to a third.

Fire Platoon Chief Peter Saab tells Tide news the fire started at 71 Mecklenberg Street around 2 am, then spread to 2 other buildings eastward. The first two buildings are completely gutted, and had their back ends completely cave in from the damage. Saab explains the first building was unoccupied, while the surrounding homes were evacuated and no one was hurt.

Saab says it's a stubborn fire that's deep in the building and will take awhile yet to put out. Over 30 fire fighters are on scene, Saab says they're not only battling fire but the cold and exhaustion.

The Canadian Red Cross say 16 people were evacuated and sheltered on city transit buses until Red Cross volunteers arranged emergency lodging at motels.

There's still no sign as to what caused the fire. Fire investigators will look at the scene once everything has been extinguished.

Know Ice Strength By Color & Thickness

As we're smack dab in the middle of winter, skating outdoors on frozen lakes looks very tempting.

But to be safe, Divisional Chief for Fire Prevention Mark Wilson says you have to look at the color of the ice and measure how thick it is. Ice is strongest when it's clear blue, if it's white/opaque it's half as strong, and if it's grey in color it's very unsafe. If the ice is 15 cm thick it's safe to walk on, 20 cm means it can hold groups or party games, and 25+ cm can handle snow mobiles.

Wilson adds it's best to avoid going out alone and at night. For more information on ice safety, click here.

After School Programs Get Boost From Province

After-school programs getting a $52,000 boost from the provincial government.

The After School Hours grant program helps fund opportunities for school children to be active and engaged in fun activities. First Nations, schools, licensed day cares, community organizations and family resource centres in Saint John, Fredericton and 6 other communities have received the funding.

Healthy and Inclusive Communities Minister Dorothy Shephard says after-school hours are a key time and opportunity for kids to be active.

Sarah Wagner, interim executive director of the organization, says there's a need in the province for quality after-school programming that's affordable and accessible.

Premier Hasn't Seen Change With Ousted MLA

Premier David Alward says he's ready and willing to sit down with independent Fundy River Valley MLA Dr. Jim Parrot, but doubt he'll see a change.

Parrot was ousted from the Tory caucus in September after he criticized the party for not listening to doctors when making decisions on healthcare.  Alward says he understands Parrot wants to meet with him, and he will, but adds that so far he's seen no change in Parrot's attitude.

Alward says when Parrot made his comments he broke their trust, which is why they made the difficult decision to cut him from the Conservatives.

Alward says they did wish him well over the holidays, when Parrot underwent heart surgery.

Great Outdoors Full Of Winter Activities

Getting outside and enjoying the bitter winter can be 'cooler' than you think.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is showing you the beautiful outdoors at a wellness fair today at Market Square. NCC spokesperson Andrew Holland says the Musquash Estuary boasts 3,900 acres of forest and two trails. He says that's plenty of space for activities like birding, snowshoeing, and even a popular treasure hunting activity called geocaching.

The Fundy Wellness Network will also be promoting healthy eating, living and activities today in Market Square from 1 until 4.