Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services (OSFES) says one of the commercial buildings on the property formerly occupied by Barton Feeders was lost Tuesday morning in a blaze.
The fire department responded to a report of smoke around 12:30 a.m. in the area of Sixth Street East and Ninth Avenue East.
Eleven firefighters responded to the call. Upon arrival, crews found the two storey building was fully engulfed. One firefighter sustained minor injuries during suppression efforts. They were treated at the scene and attended the hospital for follow-up. The firefighter was later released and is expected to make a full recovery.
The department said the building was a complete loss, and demolition was required to make the scene safe.
The loss of the 4,800 sq ft building is estimated at $500,000.
Owen Sound Fire said its follow-up investigation showed evidence of forced entry and unlawful occupancy in several of the nine buildings on the property.
"Building Owners are responsible for maintaining their buildings and ensuring they are secure from access at all times," said Fire Chief Phil Eagleson. "Regular inspections of vacant properties are crucial to ensuring unlawful entry has not occurred."
