IN PICTURES: Investigation underway after car dealership goes up in flames

A fire in Dutton broke out Thursday night at the Cotrac Ford Lincoln Dealership. CTV’s Sean Irvine has the story.

An investigation is underway after a devastating fire in Dutton on Wednesday evening.

Cotrac Ford Lincoln car dealership went up in flames around 9:55 p.m., with as many as 50 firefighters from Dutton, West Elgin, Southwold and Port Stanley on scene.

When crews arrived there was heavy smoke with crews entering to knock down the fire, but fire on the second floor of the building became extreme and caused parts of the ceiling to collapse.

PHOTO GALLERY: Cotrac Ford Lincoln goes up in flames

According to Dutton Dunwich fire Deputy Chief Barry Gregory, the fire was brought under control around 3 a.m. and the Fire Marshal’s office has been called in to investigate.

One West Elgin firefighter has non-life-threatening injuries.

CTV News spoke with dealership management who said the business that employs about 25 people hopes to rebuild.

It’s believed there were at least five vehicles in the dealership showroom at the time of the fire.

— with files from CTV News London’s Sean Irvine