Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services responded to a suspicious fire at the former file factory on Cavan Street in the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
At approximately 4:56 a.m., all three fire stations were dispatched after a caller reported seeing smoke coming from the vacant building. Firefighters arrived on scene within minutes, at approximately 5:01 a.m., and reported heavy smoke coming from the east side of the structure.
Shortly after crews arrived, flames became visible through the roof of the building.
Fire Chief Jason Williams said it is believed the fire originated on the second floor. Due to the condition of the aging structure, firefighters were unable to enter the building and were forced to conduct a defensive attack from the exterior.
“It’s just not safe to send any firefighters in due to the structural integrity of the structure,” said Williams.
Aerial operations were utilized to battle the blaze, with Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services deploying its platform truck and assistance provided by an aerial truck from Cobourg Fire Department.
Heavy equipment was later brought to the scene to tear down sections of walls, allowing firefighters better access to hotspots concealed within the building.
The former file factory has been the site of previous fire incidents. A major blaze several years ago destroyed the southern portion of the building. While the exact cause of that fire was never determined, it was classified as suspicious.
With the building currently vacant and without electrical service, Tuesday morning’s fire has also been deemed suspicious.
“Our Fire Prevention Division is working along with the Port Hope Police in relation to a potential arson investigation,” Williams said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported.
Cavan Street in the area of the fire will be closed for the remainder of the day.
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
