Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services quickly responded to a working fire at 1350 16th St. E. at 10:37 am. 

Responding 1st, 2nd, and 3rd alarm crews contained the fire to the area of origin in the electrical room of Kelsey's. 

All building occupants were evacuated at the time of the fire, and no injuries were sustained. 16th Street East was closed in front of Heritage Place Mall for approximately three hours.

The cause of the fire was electrical in nature and contained to the room of origin.

The structure of the building was saved, and there was heavy smoke and water damage to the contents of the building.

Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services, in partnership with the Electrical Safety Authority, will be continuing to investigate. Damage is estimated at approximately $1.5 million dollars.  

“An Immediate call to 911 by staff of the restaurant and a quick response time by fire personnel aided in saving the building from a rapidly spreading fire” Said, Phil Eagleson, Owen Sound Fire Chief .

Even before the dinner guests would have been coming in on a normal Tuesday, Kelsey's owner Jaspreet Lall was not thinking of his own loss. 

Alice Wannan of the Salvation Army Family Services and Food Bank posted this:

"In the midst of tragedy, 30 employees who have lost work, and a family who has lost their business of six years – Kelsey’s of Owen Sound has reached out to The Salvation Army to help others! With freezers full of food – owner Jaspreet Lall chose to help his community during a time of unimaginable loss.

"We thank you Kelsey’s! We look forward to you opening your doors soon, to once again serve the community."

photo credit: Noah Kroezen

source: media release, City of Owen Sound, 5:14 p.m.