Suspicious fire destroys Strathroy storage facility office, investigation underway

Flames and smoke from the facility drove a public warning to nearby residents after the building went up in flames. CTV London’s Sean Irvine has the story.

A fire at a storage facility in Strathroy Fire Tuesday morning is being treated as suspicious.

Fire crews were called to Strathroy Mini-Storage on York Street just after 4 a.m. where Strathroy-Caradoc Fire Chief Stephen Beasley said heavy smoke and flames were billowing into the air upon arrival.

Initially, a notification went out for nearby residents to close all their windows.

The office and warehouse portion of the business sustained the heaviest damage.

It’s believed there is no damage to multiple rental units.

Beasley states the fire proved difficult to fight, but he is grateful his volunteer crews battled what he described as “challenging conditions” to ensure it did not spread to outlying buildings — the fire was not fully under control until 9 a.m.

Strathroy-Caradoc Police Staff Sgt. Jason Cartwright said his officers were initially dispatched for a report of a tractor on fire.

He told CTV News London the scene is being treated as suspicious, pending an investigation by police and fire inspectors.

Beasley could not provide an early damage estimate, but he said it would be “significant.”

The business owners, grateful for the efforts of firefighters, have pledged to rebuild.

They also hope to have their business up and running as soon as possible.