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Discarded cigarette sparked fire that destroyed McDonald’s restaurant in Winnipeg

A viewer snapped this dramatic photo of the burning McDonald's on Henderson Highway. Elva Giesbrecht / Global News

WINNIPEG – A massive fire at a Henderson Highway McDonald’s was started by a cigarette.

A spokesperson for the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service says the April 15 blaze was sparked when someone did not properly put out their cigarette before throwing it on the ground, outside the restaurant.

WATCH: Fire tears through McDonald’s on Henderson Highway

It caught fire and spread quickly because of high winds.

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“The investigation concluded the cause was accidental as a result of improper disposal of smoking materials,” a City of Winnipeg spokesperson said in an email. “Ignition was caused by contact with light combustibles near an outdoor cigarette disposal container.”

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The building in the 900 block of Henderson Highway  is now being demolished and the total cost of damage is well over $1 million.

No one was hurt in the fire.

Crews demolish Henderson Highway McDonald’s destroyed by fire. Jeremy Desrochers / Global News

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