Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) said the recent fire at one of its Clarington buildings is, at this stage “not deemed to be suspicious”.
It, however, pointed out that the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office has not concluded its investigation.
The Courtice Court site has been turned back over to DRPS, said a police statement.
“Work is continuing to ensure the structure is stable enough to physically enter the building and allow for a full assessment. While the damage is extensive, the full extent of damage to all items and property within the building will not be known until we are able to access the building. We anticipate that it will be another three-to-four weeks before we will be able to enter the structure for full assessment and recovery,” the statement said.
The building housed the DRPS Property Bureau. Police said it has, and continues, to work with our Crown prosecutors in relation to any physical evidence for upcoming court cases.
“We want to assure the public that while this has been a challenge to the service, it has not impacted our ability to provide policing services to our community,” it added.
The fire and K-9 Unit
On July 17 evening, members of East Division responded to an alarm call at 19 Courtice Court. Officers arrived on scene and observed thick black smoke coming from the building. The vehicle bay section of the building was fully engulfed by the fire. Numerous police vehicles were inside the bay at the time and were completely destroyed by the fire.
Meanwhile, DRPS K-9 Unit said it continues to recover from the fire we suffered at the K9 Division last week.
Equipment suppliers are urgently providing our team with essential K9 equipment to keep handlers and hounds operational during this trying time. Thank you for all the well wishes, said tweet from the unit.
Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is asked to contact Det. Naccarato of the East Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-579-1520 x1612.
Earlier Story
Inquiry into police building fire in Courtice, vehicles gutted