Less than a week after suspected arson damaged a used car dealership, Windsor Police are investigating a suspicious fire at the Blind Dog, a concert venue on Ouellette Avenue. Sean Henry/CBC News

Windsor Police say the number of arsons in the city is actually down, despite two recent high-profile fires.

Staff Sgt. Gerry Corriveau said although the total number of arsons is down through September — he hasn't yet checked October's total — the monetary damage caused by deliberately set fires is up significantly.

He couldn't provide detailed numbers while standing outside the scene of Windsor's latest suspected arson, at the Blind Dog on Oullette Avenue.

Corriveau said there's no correlation between a fire that broke out at 5 Diamond Motors last week on Provincial Road and the one early Wednesday at the Blind Dog.

Corriveau said both are being investigated as arsons.

A uniformed officer on patrol in the 600 block of Ouellette Avenue called 911 after seeing and smelling smoke coming from the Blind Dog.

Corriveau said the venue's back door was opened and there were multiple points of ignition within the building.

'It was very obvious it was an arson.'— Gerry Corriveau, Windsor Police

"Once we were inside, along with Windsor fire, it was very obvious it was an arson," Corriveau said. "It's definitely an arson scene."

Damage is extensive, especially inside, according to Corriveau. He didn't yet have a estimated total in damage.

"It appears that the building is a write-off," Corriveau said. "They won't be cleaning up and operating tomorrow let's put it that way"

Corriveau says no other businesses were damaged.

"Fire was contained by Windsor fire, so it didn't spread and total the structure or anything like that," he said. "Structurally, I have no concerns for the building."

Police are still actively investigating fires at the Gossip Massage Parlour on Ouellette Avenue and at the Party Warehouse at 1030 Walker Rd. They happened in January and February, respectively.

"We’re looking for the public’s help," Corriveau said. "Without public assistance we can’t solve these."

With files from Katia Augustin, Sean Henry