‘All you could see was flames’: Industrial fire in Tillsonburg

Fire causes millions in damage after ripping through industrial building. CTV’s Sean Irvine has more from the aftermath.

Damage is estimated into the millions, after a large fire ripped through an automotive plant in Tillsonburg Tuesday night.

According to provincial police, they responded to a reported a structural fire at Marwood Plant #3 around 8:30 p.m., closing down Townline Rd., between Cedar St. and Tilson St.

“It was all flames, with the whole front of the building all flames,” said Kevin Ayres, a resident who was among the first to notice the fire.

The fire appeared to have started in a mechanical area, spreading to stored product in shipping plastic and cardboard containers, according to Tillsonburg Fire Dept. Geoff Hayman.

“Staff on site had tried to control it with fire extinguishers, but it had gotten too big too quickly. They notified 911,” said Hayman.

Tillsonburg firefighters began to fight the fire from inside the plant, but were forced to retreat after 15 minutes. Over 45 firefighters joined the fight, from as far as Ingersoll.

Aerial units were used to fight intense flames seen above the roof.

Although the fire was prevented from spreading to the main production area, the affected structure is significantly damaged. A portion of the roof caved in, making further investigation difficult.

“The area of origin is very unsafe and unstable. So, the structure itself is highly compromised in the area of origin,” said Hayman.

CTV News reached out to Marwood representatives about the status of production and impact on employees, but didn’t receive a response.

No one was injured in the fire.

- With files from CTV London’s Sean Irvine