The Ontario Fire Marshal has concluded their on-site investigation at the Downtown Hanover Fire and the Hanover Fire Department has cleared the scene.

A search of the occupied areas of the fire-gutted buildings has found no human remains and no persons were reported missing. A number of pets including dogs and cats are confirmed to have died.

The buildings were demolished for public safety reasons and work is underway to clean up the roadway and sidewalks of any debris before they are reopened. Security fencing is also being installed around the fire scene to render it safe. It is anticipated the Downtown Core will reopen to traffic and pedestrians in the morning and regular business hours can be resumed.

The property owners and their insurance providers are still determining the total dollar value on the losses and no estimates are available at this time.

Community partners continue to engage all displaced residents who need assistance and everyone requiring housing has been placed.

The investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire continues and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Hanover Police Service at 519.364.4280 ext. 101 or Crimestoppers at 1.888.222.TIPS.

source: media release, Hanover Police