London police have charged a 61-year-old man in connection with a fire at a Hamilton Road home on Monday.
Fire crews were dispatched to an abandoned building at 254 Hamilton Rd., just east of Adelaide Street, at around 11:30 a.m.
Incident update: primary search of 3 of 4 floors completed. Crews encountering heavy smoke conditions. No injuries reported at this time. Some crews rehabbing. #ldnont @lpsmediaoffice @MLPS911 pic.twitter.com/CneGjOzLHz
— London Fire Department (@LdnOntFire) October 25, 2021
“It’s also boarded up so it’s difficult access for the crews to get inside and if they are inside, to work safely,” said Platoon Chief Dave Hood. Firefighters had to create upper-level vent holes to help the heavy smoke escape from the home.
Hamilton Road was closed from Dreany Avenue to Inkerman Street while firefighters dealt with the flames.
No one was injured in the fire, but the damage is estimated at approximately $20,000.
Officials say the building has been empty for many years and reports of people frequently breaking into the structure have been noted by neighbours.
The fire was deemed to be suspicious and the London Fire Department, Street Crime Unit, and the Office of the Fire Marshal were investigating.
@ONFireMarshall on scene assisting @LdnOntFire and @lpsmediaoffice with the fire at Hamilton Road. pic.twitter.com/FyvhJW8w4R
— Office of the Fire Marshal (@ONFireMarshal) October 26, 2021
Arrested at the scene, a 61-year-old London man has now been charged with one count of arson causing damage to property.
The accused was being held in custody pending the court appearance on Tuesday.
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