'Suspect siphoning fuel': Man arrested after massive fire destroys 6 U-Haul trucks in London, Ont.
A thief was siphoning fuel from trucks on York Street in London before a massive fire broke out in a storage yard.
U-Haul told CTV News London an explosion occurred at 745 York St. around 1 a.m.
Hours later, a photographer from the London Police Service (LPS) Forensics Division was on scene taking photos of charred vehicles.
“The investigation has been turned over to members of our Street Crime Unit and they're working with the London Fire Department (LFD) in relation to what transpired,” said Const. Sandasha Bough of the LPS.
Citizens called 9-1-1 after seeing the fire.
Neighbour Brandon Palmer captured video of the massive fire at 745 York St. in London, Ont. Six U-Haul trucks were destroyed after a fire started shortly after a suspect was siphoning gas (Source: Brandon Palmer)“At first I thought it was fireworks because people are constantly lighting them off their balconies,” said neighbour Brandon Palmer. “Then my daughter yelled, ‘Dad, the trucks are on fire.’ I looked out and it looked like there were 10 on fire and exploding.”
LFP Platoon Chief Kirk Loveland said it was six trucks that were involved.
“They were fully involved in fire and crews arrived and did an offensive attack to mitigate the fire and stop any further damage,” said Loveland, who explained the trucks' proximity to each other made it difficult.
They also worried about a potential explosion due to open gas vapours.
Burned Jerry cans are on the ground in between vehicles at 745 York St. in London, Ont. on Feb. 8, 2023. A thief was siphoning gas just before a massive fire destroying six U-Haul trucks. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
“The crews have a hard time working around the vehicles because they're all packed in for parking,” said Loveland. “There isn’t a lot of room to maneuver hoses or get people or equipment into the scene. So we did have to bring in a water supply from a hydrant because there was not much fire going on in these vehicles.”
An employee on scene said he hasn't slept since the incident happened, and told CTV News London to contact company headquarters.
“We are not happy about it but hopefully the person has been caught and this won't happen again,” said David Anstett, U-Haul company president of Western Ontario in a statement.
He added the store is still operating.
A London Police Services forensics photographer takes photos of the charred vehicles in the U-Haul parking lot at 745 York St. in London, Ont. on Feb. 8, 2023. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)“The trucks that were destroyed or damaged are being removed from the lot today, and it's business as usual. We want to thank the London community for its support,” Anstett added.
Police said one person was arrested nearby and remains in custody.
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Elgin Middlesex Crime Stoppers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Murder charges filed against U.S. woman who crashed into building hosting birthday party, killing 2 kids
A Michigan woman was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder and other crimes after prosecutors say she drunkenly smashed her SUV into a boat club that was hosting a birthday party, killing two young siblings and injuring several other people.
Toronto's police chief clarifies initial statement on Umar Zameer acquittal, says he 'accepts' jury's finding
Toronto's Chief of Police has clarified a statement that he'd hoped for "a different outcome" made just after Umar's Zameer acquittal, telling reporters Tuesday he supports and accepts the jury's finding in the five-week trial.