An arson investigation is underway in the City of Belleville.
Around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, fire crews responded to Thrasher’s Garden Centre, at the corner of North Front and Harriett streets, for the report of a fire.
The Criminal Investigations Division and Forensic Identification Unit also attended.
Flames were shooting through the roof of the retail section of the decades long garden centre.
Quick response by the fire department kept flames away from the section where pesticides and fertilizers are stored. If flames had reached that area, it could have meant explosions, evacuations, and toxic air.
The Ontario Fire Marshal has taken over the scene.
A 51-year-old man of no fixed address has been arrested and charged with arson as well as two counts of breach of probation.
Quinte News has learned the name of the accused is David Robertson.
He was to appear for a bail hearing Monday.
