Ontario Fire Marshal called after blaze at abandoned Strathroy brewery

Police are investigating the third suspicious fire in Strathroy in four months, questioning if they’re connected. CTV London’s Sean Irvine has more.

Police in Strathroy are investigating a suspicious fire in the community.

Shortly after 1 a.m. on Tuesday, police got a 911 call for a structure fire at the former 1812 Brewery located at 62 Albert Street.

Police and 35 Strathroy-Caradoc Fire arrived on scene to find that one of the smaller buildings on the property was engulfed in flames.

“The fire department extinguished the fire, and the investigation is ongoing. We deem it as suspicious,” stated Staff Sgt. Jason Cartwright.

The building was abandoned and no one was hurt.

Police said this fire comes after two other recent suspicious fires that are still under investigation, and at this point, they cannot determine if the fires are connected.

“We are investigating the fact that they may be linked. We can’t determine that definitively, right at this moment in time. But the investigation is ongoing to determine whether these fires are linked,” said Cartwright.

He added that the risk to the public cannot be understated.

“This is a serious concern to the community. You know, there’s a possibility of people’s lives being at risk here, people’s property. These are very significant events,” Cartwright emphasized.

A damage estimate hasn’t been determined, and the Ontario Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate.

Homeowners and businesses in specific areas are asked to check any video surveillance they have between the hours of midnight Monday and 2 a.m. today.

Areas to check

• Caradoc Street between English Street and Metcalfe Street
• Maitland Terrace between Caradoc Street and Adelaide Street
• Metcalfe Street between Adelaide Street and Caradoc Street

Anyone with information urged to contact the Strathroy-Caradoc Police Service at 519-245-1250. (SC25008912).

You may also report information anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online.

“We are just trying to determine whether we can find enough evidence to lead us to a suspect in this case,” concluded Cartwright.