The tedious task of finding a cause to a fire that enveloped the Golden Rooster restaurant in Colborne started on Monday, January 25, 2021.
The historic building on Toronto Road in downtown Colborne was destroyed by fire on Friday, January 22, 2021 at approximately 6 p.m. when Cramahe Fire Department received the call for a working structure fire.
Upon arrival the front of the building was engulfed in flames.
The building was essentially lost before fire crews arrived, but firefighters kept the fire from spreading to other locations including the town hall which is located beside the restaurant.
Debbile Ball lives directly across from the former restaurant and noticed heavy smoke coming from the building as she was on the phone with a friend.
“It was very smoky at first,” said Ball.
“There was a flash of fire above the door, and it came out the side of the building at floor level of the second floor.”
“It wasn’t long and it took right off. I could actually feel the heat from it at my apartment window it was so hot.”
“I could hear the glass breaking out of the building from the flames.”
On Monday, the gas company disconnected the underground line before heavy machinery began the slow and careful task of tearing down the building.
Ontario Fire Marshal Fire and Explosion Investigator Jason Williams, along with two other investigators and two from the Emergency Preparedness and Response Team were on-site overseeing the demolition of the building.
Although witnesses say they initially saw smoke and flames coming from the basement, Williams said until they do a thorough investigation they can’t speculate where the fire started.
Machinery basically peeled back the frame of the building so bricks and other material wouldn’t fall into the building.
“We use a systematic approach,” said Williams.
“First thing we’re trying to do is identify the area of fire origin. Then we’ll attempt to ascertain and isolate the actual cause of the fire. What fuels were involved and what potential ignition sources were involved.”
Williams said he has no timeline, but he expects investigators will be on scene for several more days.
“We’re dealing with a large amount of debris, we have some frigid conditions so we’re actually using industrial heaters to thaw out some of the material. We’re going to be using the heavy equipment and we’re going through all the debris that’s inside by hand.”
OPP investigators are conducting an investigation into if there was any criminality associated with the fire, while OFM investigators work on the fire, origin and cause.
“We provide that to both the fire service and police to assist them in their investigations.”
With the video/photos Williams has looked at before firefighters arrived, he said it was a, “fully developed fire.”
“I think they (firefighters) did a great job with extreme temperatures, adjacent structures. I know they called for mutual aid from Trent Hills and Brighton – it was a great team effort.”
Williams said he greatly appreciates the photos and videos people in the community have provided that show the early stages of the fire.
If anyone has information concerning the fire call their nearest OPP detachment at 1-888-310-1122.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Peterborough/Northumberland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 and not have to appear in court. You can also submit information online at www.stopcrimehere.ca
Breaking News – Video – Golden Rooster Destroyed By Suspicious Fire in Colborne
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
