'I have to rebuild. I have kids': London business goes up in flames
Damage is estimated to be “well over” $500,000 following a major fire in London, according to Platoon Chief Gary Mosburger.
The blaze at 172 Roberts Ave. broke out just after 5:00 a.m. and so far, there are no reported injuries.
The fire touched three buildings, but a large garage with multiple vehicles inside sustained the heaviest damage.
The auto body and repair shop is a family business.
Mohamed Elgafry, a family member and employee, arrived at the scene shortly before 9 a.m.
He said he is devastated to see three years of hard work to build the business go up in smoke.
“I lost everything. I lost everything,” he told CTV News.
Mosburger says firefighters knew on arrival there was little they could do to save the main garage.
“Crews arrived to find the building fully involved in a fire,” he said as firefighters worked to contain hotspots behind him.
Mosburger said more than 30 personnel responded to the initial call and as the severity of the fire became known, more firefighters arrived.
At the height of the flames, equipment on scene included four engines, two tankers and an aerial unit to get above the flames.
Crews also worked to prevent the fire from damaging two smaller nearby buildings.
Their efforts were largely successful for one of the structures, but the other sustained smoke and fire damage.
All around the site, which also faces Cabell Street, there is evidence of intense heat through burn marks on the sheet metal main building. A large amount of water is also pooled in the area.
As a result, City of London crews arrived to clear catch basins, but that presented another problem, the potential of hazardous water runoff.
Mosburger said Ministry of the Environment inspectors will assist with the cleanup.
“Unknown of what type of materials could be burning inside. Obviously, we realized the fire was deeply seeded and consuming a lot of the materials inside the building,” he said.
While the fire is under control, Mosburger said crews will remain on the scene for some time to keep hotspots in check and to ensure a swift investigation.
There is no cause at this point, but a London fire inspector said the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office will be notified.
Meanwhile, Elgafry said his family will rebuild.
“I have to. I have kids. I have a family. I spent everything. I will start again,” he added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.