(CENTRAL HURON, ON) – An investigation by the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crime Unit and the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal into the cause of a recent structure fire in downtown Clinton has determined the cause to be arson.
Just before 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 28th, 2016 Huron OPP and Central Huron Fire Department members responded to the fire scene located on Albert Street between Ontario Street & Rattenbury Street East.
A two-storey, yellow-brick building built in the 1880’s sustained significant interior damage to some of the vacant and occupied upper-level apartments. In addition, some of the lower-level commercial properties sustained smoke and water damage. At this time a total dollar value of the damages has not been established.
Central Huron Fire Department and Huron OPP Members returned to the original fire scene during the early morning hours on both August 29th and August 30th. On each occasion, small fires had to be put down by the attending fire crews. Investigators believe at least one of these subsequent fires was set intentionally.
OPP Forensic Identification Services (FIS) also attended the scene to assist with the investigation.
Investigators would like to speak with anyone that may have information about this crime. Should you have information please contact the Huron County OPP Crime Unit direct by calling (519) 524-8314 or 1-888-310-1122.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.