No one was injured during a commercial building fire in Avonmore on Sunday.
Emergency responders were called to the area shortly after midnight, according to a post made on social media by East Region OPP.
County Road 15 was closed after midnight as crews were on scene. OPP posted the Township of North Stormont resumed responsibility for the flow of traffic after 6:20 a.m. on Sunday.
A partial burn ban, only permitting recreational fires, has been in affect in the Township since July 31 due to the absence of rain.
North Stormont Fire Chief Nancy-Ann Gauthier confirmed the building was a total loss on Monday. She said the building, which she believed to be at least 70 years old, was fully ablaze by the time crews arrived on the scene. The fire call was a four-station alarm, requesting all crews respond.
The building on the property at 3283 Main St. was formerly an egg-grading station and arcade. In 2023, Avonmore Storage & Retail Store was approved for an SDG Counties Regional Incentives Program grant at the building in the amount of 50 per cent up to $18,000.
Gauthier said she believed the building had changed ownership since 2023.
In the grant description, it was intended the building would be transformed into a retail space and self-storage facility. The total cost of the project was listed at $111,738.09. Proposed upgrades included levelling the floor, updating the electrical, adding baseboard heating, adding vinyl flooring, adding new drywall for fire separation, adding a new drop ceiling, replace interior doors, and more.
It’s unclear if any of these renovations took place.
Avonmore Pharmacy, located directly south of the building that was destroyed, made a post on social media about the fire on Sunday.
“Dear our lovely community, friends, and families. Our hearts are with everyone affected by the recent fire near Avonmore Pharmacy in our neighbourhood and we are so thankful that no one was injured or seriously affected. Thanks to the first responders for their quick action. To our neighbours, business owners, and families, please know you’re not alone. We’re here to support each other,” read the post. “If you need anything, your family in Avonmore Pharmacy are ready to help. This community is strong, and together, we’ll get through this.”