Suspicious large fire at the motorcycle enthusiasts club in Brockville

At least 4 million dollars in damages around Perth and Brock Streets, says Deputy Fire Chief

Police in Brockville, Ont., say a large fire broke out at a motorcycle enthusiasts club near the heart of the city early Monday morning, destroying two buildings and damaging several others.

Emergency crews were called to the Outlaws Club near the intersection of Perth and Brock Streets at about 2 a.m. Monday, according to Brockville Police Sgt. Darrell Boyd.

He also added that the building is commonly known in the community as the Outlaws Club.

Boyd said the fire "was large" and spread to several other residences in the area. It is estimated that about eight to ten other residences were damaged, some from the spread of flames, and others from heat.

Another two-story residential building was destroyed, according to Brockville Deputy Fire Chief Chris Paul.

He said the fire is considered suspicious, meaning police will be part of the investigation, and the fire caused damage of at least 4 million dollars to buildings and vehicles.

Some people were forced to evacuate their homes as a precaution. Police and victim services organizations are working with displaced residents.

Kyle Cassibo, whose home was evacuated but not seriously damaged, said: "I looked out of my bedroom window and saw the flames were so intense I heard some kind of window cracking." He said he hopes to get a hotel room for his family on Monday night.

A Brockville fire official told CBC that residents will not be allowed back into their homes Monday night. The street will also remain closed.

People were asked to avoid the area. Police said Perth Street is closed between Brock and Pearl Streets, and the end of John Street is also closed for the response.

Firefighters were still extinguishing hotspots shortly after 7 a.m.

Paul announced early in the afternoon that the fire was under control.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. Boyd added that the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office will be able to access the site to begin the investigation once it is deemed safe.

Matt Reeve, Mayor of Brockville, said, "Every fire is a concern, but especially in older buildings closely surrounded by other buildings." "There are many residents in the area. We were very worried about everyone and there appear to be many affected by the fire."

He also stated that the building was previously a furniture store.

Elsewhere in eastern Ontario, three people were sent to the hospital Saturday night after a fight broke out among members of the Outlaws motorcycle gang in Cornwall, according to police there.

The fire in Brockville was one kilometer northwest of the city waterfront and over 100 kilometers south of downtown Ottawa.