A massive blaze razed Costello and Company, a well-known monument manufacturer in Smiths Falls, to the ground.
Firefighters from multiple departments battled the fire for over nine hours, ultimately seeing the main building completely destroyed.
Despite the extensive damage, no one was hurt, which remains the most important part of this tragic event.
Highway 43, which is being repaved in the area, had to be closed. That turned construction workers into traffic controllers. Their assistance was greatly appreciated by the OPP as they directed traffic away from the fire.
The local business, a landmark in the area, now stands in ruins as investigators begin to determine the cause of the fire. The site of the blaze shows a total loss with no remaining structure. Damage estimates have yet to be released, but they are expected to be high due to the complete destruction of the main facility.
Here is video of the fire as it burned:
myFM’s Bob Perreault visited the scene Tuesday morning. Here is his report: