The Office of the Fire Marshal continues to investigate a suspicious fire that ripped through part of the former file factory in Port Hope.
Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services were dispatched to the Cavan Street property shortly before 3 a.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
When they arrived the second floor of the building was engulfed in flames.
Because of the dilapidated structure of the building, and the intensity of the fire, fighters used a defensive attack on the fire for several hours.
Port Hope Police have initiated a criminal investigation into the fire.
Heavy machinery worked tediously through Sunday and Monday removing bricks and tearing away the walls of the building. Although emergency services don’t believe there was anyone in the building at the time of the fire – they have to make sure.
OFM Fire Investigator Yvan Guerin arrived on Sunday and is overseeing the demolition of the building to gain access to the area of origin which is believed to be in the south east area of the building.
Members of the Port Hope Police were canvassing the neighbourhood on Sunday asking residents if they saw or heard anything suspicious around the time of the fire.
Port Hope, Cobourg and Peterborough Police are overseeing the security of the property since the fire began.
Once the walls were removed from the area of origin, bucket by bucket was lifted from the basement of the building by heavy machinery and placed in a safe area where firefighters then sifted through the debris looking for any evidence or indication on how the fire started.
A propane tank, commonly used for barbeques was removed from the basement, but at this point it’s unknown if it would be determined to be evidence.
It’s expected the on-site investigation will be wrapped up on Tuesday.
Until then, Cavan Street in the area of the fire will be closed.
Breaking News – Video – Major Fire at Former File Factory in Port Hope
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
