"The scene examination aspect of the investigation has concluded," said Mariano Perini of the Ontario Fire Marshal's office, noting the next step is to do "further interviews with witnesses, which includes occupants and owners of the building."

At this point, he can't speculate on what may have caused it.

"In order to form an opinion or cause of a fire, I am required to follow certain investigative protocols and this includes not formulating any preliminary or probable causes," said Mr. Perini.

Damage has been pegged at more than $3.1 million, Clarington Fire Chief Gord Weir said. It took seven hours to contain the blaze last Tuesday and a total of 36 hours to completely extinguish it.

Meanwhile, donations to aid victims of the fire have been pouring in, the chief said Monday. The Salvation Army has been "inundated," he said.

"So much has been donated that they are unable to take any further donations of furniture at this time," the chief said. Clothing, food and monetary donations are still being accepted. Anyone who wishes to donate can call 905-623-2185.

A variety of fundraisers during last Saturday's Maple Festival raised about $4,000 for fire victims, Chief Weir said.

Many councillors took a moment during Monday's council meeting to thank Clarington's firefighters, several of whom were on hand in council chambers. Chief Weir also expressed his appreciation,

"As fire chief, I was and am extremely proud of all our firefighters that day -- those on duty, the volunteers who responded and those called in on call back," Chief Weir said. "They performed on an exceptional level to assist in containing and extinguishing the fire as well as with protecting the other businesses and residents of the Municipality of Clarington."

Not only did the firefighters deserve praise, but so did the whole community, said Councillor Ron Hooper, who was teary after a slideshow from www.newsdurhamregion.com, comprised of photos taken by Susan Jane Frank, was shown.

"I can't say enough about how this community pulls together in times of need," Coun. Hooper said.