The local music community is rallying behind well known musician and businessman Stephen Dumont following yesterday's early morning fire that destroyed the Playfair Music Complex on Mitton St. South.
The building, that offered a fully equipped recording studio and rehearsal rooms, music equipment repair, a retail store as well as music lessons, band camps and recital concerts was destroyed in the $500,000 blaze.
This is the second setback for "Stevie D.", whose original business at 146 Christina St. was also destroyed in a 2006 fire.
A fundraising effort entitled "Playfair Music Complex Relief Fund" has been launched via www.gofundme.com
Sarnia Fire Service Platoon Chief Brad Allen says the blaze broke out around 1:30am.
Allen says heavy smoke was pouring from the roof of the cinder block building when they arrived on scene.
Sarnia Fire Chief John Kingyens says with the old building showing signs of deterioration so crews were told to focus on protecting nearby houses and evacuating neighbours.
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The fire was brought under control at 5:30am after the building roof had let go and walls had partially collapsed.
Three stations were dispatched to the blaze.
Mitton St. was blocked off between Confederation St. and Martha St.
Damage to the building and contents is estimated at $500,000. The cause was under investigation.
