The Wentworth Sports Complex in Hamilton that closed down earlier this month after a fire won’t reopen it’s doors until at least next year.
Weeks following the damages caused by a fire starting within the facility has forced the complex to shut down indefinitely, leaving multiple sports programs without a home.
On Sept. 30 a Zamboni inside the building burst into flame, which began to spread and create what witnesses described as “heavy black smoke.”
First responders arrived at around 9:30 a.m. to safely evacuate several workers that were inside at the time.
Inspectors noted that the smoke had filled the building and a “well involved structure fire” was took place on the west side of the complex.
READ MORE: Flames at Welland home causes significant structural damage
“Given the presence of ammonia for ice making and propane for the Zamboni(s) the alarm was upgraded to a full Hazardous Materials Response,” said Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe after firefighters put out the flames.
Owner of the sports complex Duncan Macintosh says he has begun the clean up of the building as well as assessing the full extent of the damage.
“We’re sort of thinking it’s going to be three quarters on smoke and remediation work, and then a quarter on structural stuff…but it’s going to have a lot of zeroes to it,” said Macintosh.
The owner told CHCH News that he will have a better understanding about the overall damage in about a month, but plans to reopen the complex by next season.