Charges laid after massive fire in Windsor

BY NADINE ARMSTRONG

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com



Charges have been laid against three individuals after investigations were made into last evening’s fire, which destroyed two buildings including the Windsor Curling Club. Damage from the fire is estimated to be in excess of $1 million.

Windsor RCMP say the fire was initiated when a couch outside a shed on Grey St. was ignited. The fire then spread rapidly in the direction of the Albert St. rink.

A 19-year-old man from the area has been charged with two counts of arson, two counts of mischief, one count of breach of undertaking and one breach of probation. The accused has been remanded to police custody and will be arraigned in Kentville Court Sept 27.

Two accused - an 18-year-old Garland's Crossing man and a female youth from Windsor - have been charged with one count each of arson and mischief. The male accused and will appear in Windsor Provincial Court Oct. 23, the youth on Oct 26. Both have been released on conditions.

The initial location of the Sept. 25 fire had not been determined until earlier today, however, according to the Windsor Fire Department, there were several calls to 911 reporting a garage fire at 178 Grey. St. just behind the rink.

There were 95 firefighters on the scene last evening battling heavy fire, which spread rapidly and threatened nearby homes. As a result, aerial devices and defensive hose lines were brought into play.

Residents from six homes were evacuated, but permitted to return later that evening. RCMP stated that no injuries were reported, but precautions were taken due to concerns of a possible ammonia leak from the curling club. Firefighters are continuing to monitor potential ammonia leaks today and are prepared to evacuate the area if necessary.

Several departments from as far away as Kentville responded in mutual aid. Other agencies onsite included: Emergency Health Services, RCMP, Nova Scotia Power, the Red Cross and Town of Windsor Public Works.

An excavator has pulled down the small portion of the club left standing so firefighters could extinguish hot spots and prevent injury to firefighters from dropping debris. RCMP, the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Windsor Fire Department were at the scene this morning investigating the incident.

RCMP said that the investigation will continue and commended firefighters for the tremendous job in containing the fire and preventing further damage.