At the scene: Scope Reporter finds herself at Sassafraz the day of the fire, sans camera
by Susan Stein

I wish I had my camera on Wednesday, December 13.

You might have seen pictures on TV or in the papers of the fire at Sassafraz, which destroyed the building on Toronto's fashionable Cumberland Street.

I was right there on the street when the fire broke out, and watched as the first fire engines came to the scene and then it became a five alarm fire with more and more fire trucks.

While watching, I asked for information, took up a conversation with a bystander. He is the owner of the hairdressing salon on Cumberland for many, many years and knows a lot about what is going on there.

The restaurant which burned down used to be the Bellair, named of the street, on the corner. It was sold, changed the name to Sassafraz, and became a hangout for celebrities. After a short time, a new owner took over, the interior was refurbished, new wiring and plumbing installed.

Not so long ago, rumours were heard that a bomb was discovered on the premises, but luckily did not explode.

The fire apparently started in the deep fryer in the kitchen, with the flames reached the roof in seconds, luckily no one was injured and the adjoining houses not damaged.

And as always the case: The Fire Marshall will investigate.