ARTHUR – A fire in downtown Arthur that severely damaged a building caused an estimated $500,000 in damage.
Around 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Wellington North Fire Service responded to a structure fire on Charles Street East in Arthur.
Deputy fire chief Callise Loos said via email upon arrival it was determined the fire was in one apartment building on the upper floor of the building which contained an ice cream shop and learning centre on the bottom floors.
“The tenant of the apartment was home when the fire started and was able to self evacuate,” Loos said.
“Wellington North fire with mutual aid from Minto, were able to contain the fire to one apartment unit.”
The neighbouring apartment unit and businesses on the ground floor suffered “significant smoke and water damage.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation but deemed to be accidental in nature, according to Loos. No civilians or firefighters were injured.
Loos said the apartment occupants have been displaced and the businesses will be unable to operate for an unknown period of time.
The damage estimate is set at over $500,000.
