At 8:13 pm Wednesday March 30th fire crews were called to 1800 17th Street East for the report of a working fire in the main electrical room.

Upon arrival heavy smoke was present in the electrical room and moderate smoke conditions were in the extent of the building.

In January 2021, the 300,000 square foot building that formerly housed Tenneco (formerly Monroe) was purchased by 1799 Corporation, a  local ownership group that also owns the former PPG plant. In February, Hydrogen Optimized,  a private hydrogen technology company, secured space in the building.

According to Owen Sound Fire Department spokesperson Greg Nichol, yesterday's fire was not in the part of the building occupied by Hydrogen Optimized.

Hydro One attended the site and isolated the electrical service before fire crews entered the electrical room and extinguished the fire. The fire was contained to the electrical room. The fire caused extensive damage to the buildings electrical equipment.

11 members of the Owen Sound Fire Department attended the scene. Ventilation efforts to minimize smoke damage took place. Grey County Paramedics, Owen Sound Police and Hydro One all assisted the Owen Sound Fire Department.

No injuries to occupants of the building or Firefighters.

A comprehensive damage estimate is currently unavailable.

source: media release, Owen Sound Fire Department