10 people forced from homes Monday by a fire on Campbell Avenue
Officials estimate the damage to properties at around $850,000
A fire on Campbell Avenue Monday has displaced 10 people and caused about $850,000 in damage, say officials with Windsor Fire and Rescue Services.
Police say they believe the fire was deliberately set.
The fire started in an abandoned two-storey house on Campbell near College Avenue, but it also damaged buildings on either side of it, fire officials said.
Twelve fire vehicles were at the scene, along with police, EMS, Enwin and Transit Windsor.
No injuries were reported.
The building to the right of the main fire site suffered about $100,000 in damage, and three people were displaced from the home.
Officials initially reported that they had been able to return, but Acting Chief Fire Prevention Officer John Smith told CBC Tuesday morning they still can't go home.
The building to the left of the main fire site suffered approximately $250,000, Smith said and left seven people displaced.
The main fire site suffered an estimated $500,000 in damages.
The building was the site of a previous fire on June 3, 2024, Smith said.
Local resident Keith Bennett witnessed the fire at the same property last year.
"I think it's worse this time," he told CBC News. "I think there's more damage this time.
"There was lots of smoke and flames all over."
Windsor police say a suspect was seen fleeing on a bicycle from the area of Monday's fire.
He is described as an Asian male with a dark complexion and medium build, wearing an orange coat and hat, according to a post from the Windsor Police Service on X.
Police are asking residents and businesses in the area to review their surveillance or dashcam footage for any evidence that may assist investigators.
They are asking anyone with information about the fire to contact the Windsor Police Service arson unit or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous.