Damage is estimated at $500,000 after a “intentionally set” fire at an Erie Street café.
Windsor police arson investigators were investigating the blaze that started around 3:30 a.m. Thursday morning at Masaya Cafe at 781 Erie St. E.
Police say the fire was intentionally set.
Erie Street was closed from Marentette to Lillian Thursday and part of Friday, as crews dealt with hot spots.
When fire crews first arrived, flames and heavy smoke were pouring from the building firefighters were forced to mount a defensive attack.
“Suppression efforts were initiated and eventually the fire was brought under control,” says deputy fire chief Brian McLaughlin.
On Thursday night, an excavator could be seen tearing down a portion of the former café, with a large volume of water gushing out from the structure.
Members of the arson squad were going door-to-door at businesses and homes in the area looking for info that might assist in their investigation.
