On February 7, 2010, at about 11am, RCMP Portage la Prairie and several local area fire departments responded to a business fire in the community of Austin.
The fire originated and completely destroyed Kathie’s Beauty Salon and an attached suite. The fire then spread and destroyed Ernie’s Warehouse and also caused smoke and fire damage to two additional businesses nearby.
RCMP Portage la Prairie, with the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner, continue to investigate, however, the fire is not deemed suspicious in nature.
Emergency Medical Services where also on scene but no one was hurt in the blaze.
Specific total damage estimates are not available at present, but the damages are estimated at several hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The investigation continues.
Update 02/09/10 8:43am
The Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner confirmed that the fire was electrical in nature and classified as accidental.
Sgt. Line Karpish
RCMP Media Relations
(204) 983-8497