What happened
The Foodland grocery store at 8251 Dock St. in Chippawa is temporarily closed after a fire broke out in a section of the roof late Monday night.
Fire crews from Niagara contained the blaze at around 9:45 p.m.
According to fire officials, the fire originated near where roofers had been working with torches earlier in the day.
Extent of the damage
The fire damaged the rear roof structure and left widespread smoke and water damage throughout the store.
Fire Chief Jo Zambito told CHCH News the fire is not considered suspicious.
"Costs are estimated to exceed $2 million, encompassing fire-related damage to the roof structure, as well as smoke and water damage throughout the store. This estimate also includes cleanup operations, food disposal, and other associated costs," he told CHCH News.
How long the store will remain closed is not yet known. Foodland corporate representatives have taken over the repairs and cleanup.
Pharmacy and neighbouring business reopen
Some good news for Chippawa residents: the pharmacy next to the grocery store has reopened, along with the adjacent tenant.
"The pharmacy and the adjacent tenant have reopened, as power has been restored and those units did not sustain any damage," Zambito told CHCH News.
What it means for the community
The Dock Street Foodland serves as a key grocery option for Chippawa, a community within south Niagara Falls.
With the closure timeline still unclear, residents may need to travel to other parts of Niagara Falls for groceries in the meantime.
No injuries were reported in connection with the fire.
This story will be updated as more details about the reopening become available.
