Real Canadian Superstore on Dougall Avenue reopens after fire

Shoppers were turned away Tuesday morning as the Real Canadian Superstore, Winners, and other businesses were closed following an early morning fire.

“I pulled in to come get some cupcakes for my son's first birthday,” said shopper Brett Hedges. “I guess I might have to go check out another location. Just glad that everyone's alright.”

The inconvenience for shoppers was due to a fire at the back of the building.

“Crews responded this morning just after 5:00 a.m. to a cardboard compressor in the back on fire. When the crews got there, they caught the fire. They were able to put it out,” said Chief Fire Prevention Officer Mike Coste.

No one was injured but the building was closed after a significant intake of smoke.

“So I came all the way for nothing,” said a smiling Luana Zambito, who was on her way to volunteer. “Got to find another one. Got to find another superstore for now.”

Windsor Fire and Rescue crews spent the morning airing out the smoke from the building. A representative from the health unit was called to determine if the food was safe.

Turns out any product not tightly sealed had to be disposed of. That included all freshly baked goods, the olive bar, and anything susceptible to immediate toxic damage.

In total, about $6,000 of food were cleared from the shelves.

“And also with this incident, we've had the Ministry of Health come in. The Ministry of Health will come in and survey winners and Zehrs and determine what product stays or what product goes,” Coste added.

The Real Canadian Superstore opened shortly before noon.

The fire is being deemed suspicious. It’s the third such fire in just over a week, including Monday’s blaze in the 900 block of Campbell Avenue and the former Champs Bar building on Wyandotte Street on May 24.

“It is out there. And that's why I say be vigilant in your neighborhood and keep your eye open,” Coste warned.