$400,000 damage caused after fire at House of Friendship building in Cambridge (update)

Fire officials in Cambridge say around $400,000 damage has been caused after a fire at the House of Friendship's new treatment centre.

The building is slated to open in July.

Platoon Chief Mike Pauze says they were called to the building, located on Concession Road, just before 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

“Upon arrival there were flames visible from the second story roof. We had four units responding to this fire. With the 15 firefighters it took about 30 minutes to knock down.”

No one was in the building at the time and according to officials, the fire started at the back of the building and worked its way up.

The cause is still under investigation.

The “Close to Home” project was a campaign to renovate and rebuild the former Haven House in Cambridge.

The campaign itself raised $2 million to create a new residential addiction treatment facility.

“This is difficult news to wake up to, particularly during a time when addiction treatment is desperately needed for so many individuals and families in Waterloo Region,” House of Friendship Executive Director John Neufeld said in a emailed statement to 570 NEWS.

“We have many reasons to remain hopeful. This community has been incredibly supportive and we know it's one that comes together in times of adversity. This time will be no different. With this support, we will move forward with our vision of an addiction treatment centre that will provide hope and healing for individuals and families impacted by addiction.”

He adds once the investigation is complete, they will be able to confirm the next steps.