The damage estimate from the massive blaze that reduced the former Hook's restaurant to rubble has come in at more than half a million dollars.
London fire officials said Thursday the fire at the old restaurant at Southdale Rd. and Wharncliffe Rd. caused $575,000 in damage.
Investigators are working to try to figure out what sparked the fire.
"We are still in the early stages of the investigation where we are still trying to determine the origin, cause, and circumstances of the fire," said Deputy Fire Chief Jack Burt. "We contacted the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office due to the large loss fire. We sent them pictures and they consulted with us but they did not send an investigator to the scene."
Tuesday evening's fire sent giant plumes of thick black smoke into the sky that could be seen from several kilometres away. More than 30 London firefighters battled the blaze for several hours, before dousing the flames late in the evening.
"It is a testament to what [firefighters] did based on what you can see next door at Tiger Jack's. There was minimal damage to that building," said Burt. "The fence was cut down and there was damage to their patio but other than that and some water damage the building is still standing there. It is a testament to the excellent work of our crews that night."
Two people, hired by the building's owner to perform some demolition work at the site, had been inside prior to the fire's start. No one was hurt in the blaze.
The investigation could take weeks to complete.
