Jul 14, 2009 - 12:40 PM

By Kristen Calis and Jennifer Stone

PICKERING -- Believed to be one of the oldest continually-operating businesses in Ontario, the Claremont General Store has been serving customers since sometime between 1847 and 1853.

"I don't think there was a year when it wasn't being run," said local historian, John Sabean.

According to Pickering Library archives, although it's changed hands a number of times since it was built in 1851, the general store has remained a stronghold in the north Pickering community.

A sign above the entrance to the store boasts 'Fresh Meat and Groceries since 1847.' Mr. Sabean believes the store has been operating since 1853.

"That's still more than 150 years ago," he said.

But on Sunday a fire engulfed the building just before noon. Daniel Park, current owner, was working there at the time.

"Somebody came, and said 'Fire,'" Mr. Park said, as he sat on a bench in a parkette across from what remained of his store and the adjoining buildings he also owns, at Old Brock Road and Central Street.

Derek Budarick was sitting outside his apartment, located in the building adjoining the store, when he and friends noticed the blaze in the area where the store and the postal outlet come together. An attempt to turn on the outdoor garden hose proved futile, so Mr. Budarick ran up into his apartment to try to get some pots and pans filled with water to douse the blaze.

"I ran upstairs and lost my shoes coming back down, because they were in flames," he said.

Another tenant, a single mom whose two children are usually at home, was home alone at the time and managed to get out safely.

"She was upstairs on the couch, sleeping," when the fire broke out, neighbour Matt Peer, whose family took the woman in even as the blaze raged on, said. "She's a single mom and she's lost everything she had."

Fire Chief Bill Douglas was warmed by the local support and said the residents made sure the firefighters were well fed for the day.

Pickering's fire department received the 911 call at 11:53 a.m., said platoon chief Rick Ingram. Additional resources were also called in from fire departments in Whitchurch-Stouffville, Uxbridge, Ajax and Whitby.

No one was injured in the blaze, Chief Douglas said.

The fire was under control by about 3 p.m., he said, but added the second floor was intentionally collapsed later that day for safety reasons, which means "the building is gone."

"It's another one of our landmarks that we've lost," Mr. Sabean said.

He's trying to determine if anything can be salvaged from the inside, which could be moved to the Pickering Museum Village or even used in a home that's being restored, he said,

Mr. Park has owned the building housing the store and apartments for about six-and-a-half years, he said.

There were three structures connected, with the general store at one end, a post office in the middle and an area used for storage at the end. There were two apartments over the lower level.

The three were "interlaced" and that provided a "clear fire path," Deputy Chief Gord Ferguson said. "The fire started in the middle and spread east and west."

Given that the fire began in the post office, it was "going a long time before it was detected."

The damage is still being totalled, but Mr. Ferguson said, "I would gather it will be more than $1 million."

The fire marshal's office is currently investigating the cause. As of Tuesday morning, investigators believe an electrical problem caused the fire, "but we haven't qualified that yet," he said.

An electrical contractor has been called in to help the fire marshal.

The Claremont and District Community Association is holding a fundraiser this Saturday to help the fire victims. It'll take place from 1 to 6 p.m. at Claremont Park, Brock Road, south of Central Street. The event will include a barbecue, kids' games, pie sale, Canadian Tire money collection and live entertainment. To join in the music jam, call Peter at 905-649-8448.

-- With files from Keith Gilligan