Ten years ago this week, Dunkirk’s downtown went through a devastating transition. On Feb. 24, 2010, the Masonic Temple building between Third and Fourth Street on Central Avenue, was an inferno.

Fire companies from throughout the region came to Dunkirk on the bone-chilling night to help extinguish the major blaze, which started around 5 p.m. That fire would be quelled during that night, but it smoldered for weeks.

Neighboring structures also were destroyed in the historic fire, which has left a hole in downtown — nearly across the street from City Hall.

After the Masonic Temple fire, traffic seemed to become sparse in this section of downtown. Professional offices located in the structure, moved elsewhere — taking foot and car traffic out of the city.

It was a sad night the city — and downtown. Dunkirk, especially Central Avenue, is still reeling from the aftermath.