The Beer Store located on Huron Street in Stratford has been forced to close its doors after a two-alarm fire overnight inflicted an estimated $1.5 million in extensive damages, prompting the city’s building department to deem the premises unsafe.
At approximately 12:41 a.m. on Monday, Stratford firefighters responded to a call from a vigilant individual who had spotted the fire. According to Stratford Fire Chief Neil Anderson, the blaze originated in the storage and loading dock area behind the store. A total of four fire trucks, 16 firefighters, and utility staff were mobilized to combat the inferno, which left the building’s roof charred and caused smoke damage throughout the interior.
While the cause of the fire remains unknown, a joint investigation is underway by fire and Stratford police personnel. Access to the front of the store has been restricted by police tape.
Although the fire marshal’s office has been informed, it has not yet been formally requested to conduct an investigation, as confirmed by Anderson, who described the physical damage as extensive.
Deputy Fire Chief Chris Van Bargen, who was present at the scene on Monday morning, estimated the total damage to be approximately $1.5 million, in addition to the loss of damaged products. Representatives from the Beer Store’s area and staff were also present at the site.
Despite its proximity, Tim Hortons, which shares a connection with the Beer Store, remained unaffected by the fire and continued its operations without sustaining any damage. Staff members were evacuated as a precautionary measure during the incident.
While Forman Street, intersecting with Huron, was temporarily closed to through traffic overnight, it has since been reopened.
This marks the third fire incident at a Huron Street business since 2022. Shopper’s Drug Mart experienced a fire in January within one of its coolers, while No Frills incurred over $1 million in damages in March 2022 when a refrigeration unit caught fire.
Authorities urge anyone with information pertaining to the fire to contact the Stratford Police Service at 519-271-4141 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-TIPS or online at p3tips.com.
