The first damage estimate from a devastating fire in downtown Grimsby has been announced.
The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office providing an update on the massive blaze saying the damage estimate is around 2 million dollars.
Experts will be brought in to decide if the structure housing businesses and one residential apartment from 2-16 Main Street East will have to come down.
Grimsby Fire Chief Michael Cain tells CKTB the cause of the fire is not suspicious, but is still under investigation.
He says it appears to have been accidental.
Rumours had begun circulating that the fire was caused by a barbecuing incident, but Cain says that is unlikely.
He says the area of origin was behind the Dressing Room Hair Salon and Day Spa in a fenced in compound.
The fire continued to burn for close to six hours as firefighters from Grimsby, West Lincoln and Lincoln worked in 30 degree weather to tame the flames.
Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the site from kilometres away, and could easily be spotted over the QEW.
Regional Councillor Tony Quirk tells CKTB the building has been devastated but the post office was saved thanks to the work of firefighters and a separation between 16 Main Street East and the Post Office.
The affected businesses are:
- The Dressing Room Hair Salon and Spa
- Pics Plus
- Yoga Truly
- Computer Tech Services (above Yoga Truly)
There was one residential unit affected. That tenant has been displaced.
No one was hurt, but two dogs were rescued from the apartment.
Grimsby Fire Chief Michael Cain wants to take this opportunity to remind you that fire safety starts with you.
He says emergency response is a reactive measure, the goal is to educate and prevent fires.
Make sure you have working smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms, and a plan to escape.
Photo by Ron Lane