Ontario Fire Marshal releases details of Argyle Road blaze

By Mirjana Janekovic and Amos Johnson

A Walkerville fire that caused more than $1 million in damages started in the rear of a six-plex housing facility, according to the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office.

That’s according to the Ontario Fire Marshal, which has been investigating the fire, which happened at the 1200 block of Argyle Rd on Saturday.

Fire crews were called to the row of homes in the 1200 block of Argyle Road about 6 a.m. Saturday. Fire and smoke were noticeable upon arrival and residents inside were evacuated.

Firefighters needed to cut through the roof to protect the remaining units. Additional crews later arrived at the scene to assist with the fire. More than 40 firefighters were on the scene.

The fire was finally put out about 5 p.m.

Heavy equipment was on the scene Monday removing debris so investigators could safely access the house.

“The fire has compromised the structural integrity of the townhouses,” said Mike Ross, an Ontario Fire Marshal Investigator.

Chief Fire Prevention Officer John Lee said the fire is still under investigation.

A structural engineer arrived Sunday and returned again Monday to continue the investigation.

According to a Tweet from Windsor Fire, initial damage is estimated at $1.2 million — although new estimates peg the damage between $1.5 and $1.8 million.

Investigators will need at least a day in order to determine the cause of the accident. 

Crews knocking down the fire on Argyle, aerial operations underway. *JL pic.twitter.com/LnGkzTsdgF

— Windsor Fire (@WindsorFire1) November 10, 2018