Fire marshal called to investigate three morning fires in Erin, Guelph Eramosa
Fire crews from the Town of Erin and Guelph Eramosa Township are fighting three separate fires, in three separate locations about 10 to 15 kilometers apart.
Because of the proximity of the fires, the fire marshal's office has been called to investigate, confirmed Const. Marylou Schwindt of the County of Wellington OPP.
"It's almost like an 'L' shape, the three fires, where they're located," Schwindt told CBC News. She went on to say that it's still very early in their investigation but due to the proximity and timing of the fires, they are looking into the possibility that the three may be connected.
Three barns, one house
It all started just before 6 a.m. Thursday morning. Erin firefighters were called to a barn fire at 5:53 a.m. on Sideroad 27 in the town of Erin.
The latest information from authorities indicates the building was fully engulfed and firefighters were working to keep the flames down.
Then at approximately 6:00 a.m., OPP were told of another fire, this time in Guelph Eramosa Township, at 8688 Sideroad 15. This time both a house and a barn were on fire. OPP said as of 7:00 a.m. fire crews were able to put out the fire in the house, but were still working on the barn.
Less than an hour later, emergency personnel discovered a third fire nearby, this time at 5292 Third Line, also in Guelph Eramosa Township.
- Fires at abandoned buildings between September, 2016 and March 2017 in Guelph, Wellington county
- Abandoned building fires tying up resources in Puslinch and Guelph-Eramosa
There has been a series of fires at abandoned buildings in Wellington county over the past year. That prompted the OPP to issue a warning to the public in October to lock their doors, windows and vehicles, regularly check vacant buildings and leave the lights on outside.
The fire marshal's office is also investigating any link between those fires. As of February, investigator Andrea Gaynor said it was too early to say for sure.
Anyone with information is asked to call Wellington county OPP or Crimestoppers.