"Faulty Chimney cited as causing $1.5-million blaze in Thessalon", Sault Star Clipping, 1991

THE SAULT STAR — MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 1991 B7

Editor: ED PIWOWARCZYK

Faulty chimney cited as causing $1.5-million blaze in Thessalon

By MARGI TURNER Special to the Star THESSALON —

Clean-up operations continue at the site of a major fire in downtown Thessalon. Damage is estimated at $1.5 million, according to Fire Chief Rick Thorold.

Three buildings were destroyed in the blaze, with a fourth, owned by Chief Thorold, receiving heavy smoke and water damage.

An inspector from the Ontario Fire Marshal's office was on the scene from Friday evening until Sunday morning.

A faulty furnace chimney at the rear of Davey and Sons Marine, 170 Main St., has been determined as the cause of the blaze. A police report said the base fitting of the oil furnace chimney had deteriorated and insulation had fallen out. It said that this caused a hot spot at the roof area, resulting in a fire at the roof level.

Owner Doug Davey said he was notified around 8 p.m. Friday by a neighbor that there was smoke coming out of the back of the store. Mr. Davey ran to the back of the store and yelled for his neighbor to call the fire department.

Mr. Davey indicated that by the time firefighters arrived at the scene about 15 minutes later,, the entire back portion of the store was on fire. "My son Steve tried to put out the fire with an extinguisher but it was too late.

"I was still confident the fire could be contained at the back of the store," he said.

Mr. Davey said he took a fireman into the apartments over the store.

"I know my building. It could only burn from the top down. But once the fire got over the back brick firewall and into the false ceiling, there was no way to get water to it," he said.

Thessalon Fire Chief Rick Thorold said the fire alarm was sounded at 8:02 p.m.

"I called for reinforcements right away and specifically requested an aerial unit from

Sault Ste. Marie," he said.

Mr. Thorold indicated he was unable to release details on how the blaze caused such extensive damage pending a report from the Fire Marshal's office.

Damage is estimated at $1.5 million.

Also destroyed in the blaze was Thessalon Pharmacy and the Skyway Grill, a vacant restaurant.

Mr. Davey, who had no insurance, said he was positive that the building wouldn't burn down as it contained four brick firewalls.

Mr. Davey and several tenants above the store, including his son, lost everything in the fire.

The Star was unable to contact pharmacy owner Judith Skene. Ms. Skene had just returned from vacation when she was evacuated from her apartment above the pharmacy.

A report from the Fire Marshal's office isn't expected for a couple of days.