A massive fire has destroyed the former St. Catharines Standard building on Queen Street.

St. Catharines Fire Chief Dave Upper said the blaze originated in the office portion of the upper floors late Friday night, and the structural integrity of the building is “completely jeopardized.”

Upper said the preliminary damage estimate likely exceeds $2 million, and it is too early to determine a cause.

“There is quite a bit of structural damage,” Upper said. “Our concern is that the front of the building will collapse due to the damage from the fire and the weight of the water we applied throughout the night.”

The building has been vacant since The Standard moved its operations and employees in June 2013. Part of the building dates from 1898.

No injuries have been reported, though the build

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