Stratford firefighters responded to a fire at The Beer Store at 429 Huron Street in Stratford early Monday morning.
Details were still emerging but Stratford Fire Chief Neil Anderson said there was “extensive” damage to the rear and roof of the building and damage to the storage and loading dock areas.
“At this stage, until the investigation is concluded, we are unable to provide specific details regarding the cause or extent of the incident,” said Deputy Chief Chris Van Bargen of the Stratford Fire Department. “However, based on initial assessments, we estimate the cost of structure and content loss to be around $1.5 million.”
Sixteen firefighters were on the scene. There is smoke damage throughout the store.
There was no alarm, however, it was called in by a passerby at 12:41 a.m. Extra firefighters were called in shortly after.
The nearby Tim Horton’s location was evacuated as a safety precaution.
Four fire trucks were on scene, along with two utility vehicles.
Anderson said it’s too early determine when the location would re-open.
Cause of the fire is not yet known.
An unsafe order has been issued by the City of Stratford building department.
A joint investigation involving Stratford FD and Stratford Police Service is underway.
Stratford police ask anyone with information to call 519-271-4141 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-TIPS.
