The investigation by Ontario Fire Marshal official Lance Schubert into the fire which destroyed The Dime Nightclub, formerly known as Studio 10 at 89 Hudson St. Monday, is underway, with no apparent indication of foul play.
The blaze claimed the life of a 60-year-old man.
“As of 2:30 p.m. (Wednesday) police have released the scene...the investigation is being carried on by the Ontario Fire Marshal. We were holding the scene as far as looking for a criminal component to it, but at this point there is nothing that would suggest to us, the police, that there is a criminal investigation,” said Sault Police Sergeant Robert Wright, speaking to SooToday.
“If the Fire Marshal comes up with something further that would lead toward that, then we would become involved again, but at this point...we’re releasing the scene,” Wright said.
The fire was called in late Sunday night and not officially considered extinguished until early Tuesday, a stretch of approximately 30 hours.
City of Sault Ste. Marie officials are moving to demolish the charred remains of the building as quickly as possible.
The Red Cross assisted 17 people affected by the fire with emergency clothing, food and lodging.