A fire at an auto shop in Oakville on Sunday has left the building with an estimated $1 million in damage. Surveillance footage determined the incident to be arson and police are now investigating.
Oakville Fire Chief Paul Boissonneault provided an update on the fire at 1071 Speers Road that took place on Oct. 27, 2024.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 2:19 a.m. and Chief Boissonneault says it was fully contained by 4 a.m.
However, firefighting teams, including Fire Watch and investigators from the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), remained on-site until 2 p.m. to monitor and extinguish any remaining hot spots, particularly after a partial wall collapse at the rear of the building.
Says Chief Boissonneault, "Initial arrival had flames out the roof towards the rear of the building in the shop area. Initial response was defensive operations due to the extent of the fire upon arrival."
Chief Boissonneault reported the fire to be suspicious and alleged arson. Video surveillance showed an individual breaking into the building before the fire began.
This video has not been released to reporters.
The evidence shifted the investigation to HRPS detectives, with the Oakville Fire Department providing full support.
No injuries were reported among the public or firefighters. The preliminary cost of damages is estimated to exceed $1 million, with ongoing assessments to determine the value of damaged vehicles and equipment inside the building.
Anyone with information can contact police at 905-825-4777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or haltoncrimestoppers.ca.