Damage is estimated at $75,000 following a fire in a downtown heritage building.
The fire at 444 Baker St. was discovered shortly before 8 a.m. Saturday when black smoke poured from a third-floor window.
“Crews encountered dense smoke and a deep seated fire burning in the unoccupied third floor office,” Assistant Fire Chief Michael Daloise said in a news release. “Neighboring buildings were searched for fire extension, which did not occur.”
By 9 a.m., the fire was under control and crews were ensuring there were no hot spots left.Tarps were used to protect the businesses below the fire floor and water was removed using vacuums, mops and buckets to attempt to limit the amount of damage, Daloise said.
The fire started on the third floor with damage contained to a single room. There is heat, smoke and water damage on the third floor, while the businesses below suffered a small amount of water damage.
There were no injuries. The cause is under investigation.
The building, home to Maison on the ground floor, was built in 1897 as Lawrence Hardware. It was designed by local architects Alexander, Ewart, and Carrie and was the first three storey structure on Baker St.