UPDATE: Ottawa’s beloved Sugar Shack significantly damaged by fire; now being investigated by police as possible arson
Posted Aug 27, 2020 11:47:00 AM.
Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) responded to a blaze early Thursday morning at the Sugar Shack, near the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre, and police rae now trying to determine if this was an act of arson.
Firefighters arrived at 300 Des Pères Blancs Avenue shortly before 6 a.m. to smoke and flames coming through the roof of the structure, that had already partially collapsed.
Scott Stilborn with OFS said it quickly became a defensive operation.
Ottawa Fire on scene of a Working Fire at 300 Des Pères Blancs Avenue in the Vanier Sugar Shack. Crews reported heavy smoke and flames with a partial structural collapse on arrival. This is a defensive operation. #ottnews #OttFire #ottcity pic.twitter.com/ItYQsZKSjz
— Scott Stilborn (@OFSFirePhoto) August 27, 2020
Due to the risk of full collapse, firefighters attacked the blaze from the outside through the doors and roof of the structure.
Speaking with Carson Tharris, spokesperson for the Ottawa Fire Services, the point of original of the fire fire was a pile of firewood located at the exterious of the structure.
The case has since been handed over to the Ottawa Police's arson unit, which Ottawa Police does confirm.
Police say they are in the early stages of the investigations and it is still ongoing.
Their role, police say, is to determine if an act of arson did take place.
“The sugar shakck, of course, is a big element because people come inside to make pancakes and syrup,” Jean Malavoy, director of Muséoparc Vanier.
Mayor Jim Watson called the incident, 'sad and disturbing.' He also said the city would repair or rebuild the building, if necessary.
– With files from Dani-Elle Dubé, Deborah Reiter
This is very sad and disturbing news. The Vanier sugar shack is run by an amazing group of volunteers Let’s hope our great firefighters are able to save the building – And the city will be there to repair / rebuild this unique and beautiful building
— Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) August 27, 2020
A fire investigator has been called in to determine the cause.
