ERIN – A vehicle and two transport trailers were destroyed in a fire that occurred overnight Thursday in Erin.
The Erin Fire Department was called at 10:50pm Sept. 17 to 9565 Sideroad 17 in Erin, between 8th Line and Pioneer Drive.
Chief Jim Sawkins said firefighters arrived on scene to find a vehicle “fully involved” and four tractor-trailers in front of it. Two of those trailers were also in flames.
“We adopted a defensive attack,” said Sawkins. “There were a few explosions but just tires and air bags.”
Sawkins said Erin and Hillsburgh crews were dispatched and Guelph-Eramosa fire was called to assist. The fire was brought under control in about an hour, but firefighters did not clear the scene until 1:45am Friday.
“I was called because there was a question as to the origin and cause,” Sawkins said, adding that he called the Ontario Fire Marshall to investigate but they were later called off.
“It is a suspicious fire, however. It’s in the hands of OPP right now.”
Sawkins said the original damage estimate was $50,000, “but we are awaiting the details on the vehicles.”
The property is a vehicle scrapyard. Sawkins said there was no damage to any buildings and no civilians or firefighters were injured.
Anyone with information, or who may have been in the area prior to 11:00pm with dashcam footage, is asked to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw.tips.
