WindsorEats assessing possible damage after ‘suspicious’ fire next door

Windsor’s Little Italy is unsure if it can open this weekend for the beloved Carrousel of the Nations festival after a fire believed to be deliberately set.

Windsor police are investigating a suspicious fire at a commercial building on Erie Street.

Shortly before 10 p.m. on Monday, officers responded to a report of a structural fire in the 400 block of Erie Street East, also known as the city’s Via Italia neighbourhood.

The fire was in the business connected to the WindsorEats Food Hall, according to their Facebook page.

Windsor firefighters attended the scene and put out the blaze.

It is unknown if the Mexican Village for Carrousel of the Nations will still be hosted at WindsorEats this upcoming weekend. The post says smoke entered the building but they are waiting to hear more from officials.

During the investigation, officers say they located two empty gas cans near the property, which houses several businesses. An accelerant was also found inside the building, indicating the fire was intentionally set.

Residents and business owners in the area are urged to review any surveillance or dashcam footage captured between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. for evidence that may assist investigators.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Arson Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4330. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.