Fire at former Lazare's building ruled accidental, $450k in damage

Fire crews battle a blaze on Ouellette Avenue in Windsor, Ont. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013. (Jasion Viau / CTV Windsor)

Windsor fire has determined a blaze at the old Lazare’s Furs in the downtown Monday night was accidental.

According to officials, the fire started in the basement of the former Windsor Symphony Orchestra, the neighbouring unit in the 400 block of Ouellette Avenue. Workers were soldering pipes on an air handling unit.

Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at $450,000. No injuries are reported.

At least eight fire vehicles and dozens of firefighters were at the scene around 6 p.m. and the ladder on an aerial truck was also being used to check the roof of the building.

Shortly before 7 p.m. officials reported the fire was out, but smoke was still being vented from the building.

Ouellette between Wyandotte and Park Streets was closed for a brief time.