Durham Regional Police – Large Fire at Police Property Deemed Not Suspicious

The Ontario Fire Marshal’s office has not concluded its investigation, but the Courtice Court site has been turned back over to DRPS. At this stage the fire is not deemed to be suspicious.

Work is continuing to ensure the structure is stable enough to physically enter the building and allow for a full assessment. While the damage is extensive, the full extent of damage to all items and property within the building will not be known until we are able to access the building. We anticipate that it will be another three-to-four weeks before we will be able to enter the structure for full assessment and recovery.

DRPS has and continues to work with our Crown prosecutors in relation to any physical evidence for upcoming court cases.

We want to assure the public that while this has been a challenge to the Service, it has not impacted our ability to provide policing services to our community.

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ORIGINAL MEDIA RELEASE SENT ON JULY 18, 2022

Police Investigating after Large Fire at Police Property Building

Police are investigating a fire that occurred at a police building in Clarington on Sunday evening.

On Sunday, July 17, 2022, at approximately 6:07 p.m., members of East Division responded to an alarm call at 19 Courtice Court.  Officers arrived on scene and observed thick black smoke coming from the building. The vehicle bay section of the building was fully engulfed by the fire.  Numerous police vehicles were inside the bay at the time and have been completely destroyed by the fire.

Clarington Fire attended the scene and was able to conduct primary and secondary searches to ensure the building was vacant.  No one was located and there were no injuries.

Police have yet to enter the building as Clarington Fire is still on scene working on putting out hot spots of the fire.  

The Ontario Fire Marshall has been contacted and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is asked to contact Det. Naccarato of the East Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-579-1520 x1612.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.