Windsor fire crews battle smoke and flames from an industrial fire on Argyle Rd. at Ottawa St. September 19, 2018 (Photo by Kristylee Varley)
An investigator from the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office will be looking into a major fire in Windsor.
Around 7:30am Thursday, an industrial fire in the area of Ottawa St. and Argyle Rd. was finally declared out by officials from Windsor Fire and Rescue.
The 1300-block of Argyle Rd. has also been reopened to traffic.
Here’s a few photos showing what’s left of 1370 Argyle Rd. @WindsorFire1’s John Lee says it took the better part of 20 hours to snuff the flames and heavy smoke. @CTVWindsor pic.twitter.com/liWgCRlAQB
— Rich Garton (@RichGartonCTV) September 20, 2018
According to Fire Prevention Officer, John Lee, crews arrived around 11am Wednesday to find heavy smoke coming from the empty Gel-Tech building.
The fire was somewhat under control around 1pm but around 3pm, a portion of the roof collapsed causing things to flare up again — it took crews another four hours to get it back under control.
The Market Square, Shoppers Drug Mart and Bingo facility were all evacuated but officials say they will reopen Thursday morning.
This blaze is not letting up. Dozens of first responders on scene for a MASSIVE blaze at Gel Tech. #cklw @AM800News @CTVWindsor pic.twitter.com/9yVRdBfr77
— Kristylee Varley (@KVarley800) September 19, 2018
The City of Windsor Police and Fire Joint Emergency Command arrived shortly after 6pm with officials going door to door notifying residents of a volunteer evacuation order.
Residents in the area of Ottawa St. from Monmouth to Shepherd St. and Argyle Rd. to Kildare Rd. were given the opportunity to go to the Gino and Liz Marcus Community Centre.
Just before 9pm, heavy equipment was brought to the scene to dismantle the building and assist with searching for hot spots.
For 20 hours, 60 firefighters attacked the blaze — dumping the equivalent of 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools on the inferno.
No injuries have been reported and it's expected to be some time before a cause and damage estimate can be determined.