Arson investigation underway in Cambridge

An arson investigation is underway after a suspicious fire in Cambridge.

Waterloo regional police officers and crews from five Cambridge Fire Department stations responded to the fire on Parkhill Road West Friday night.

The owner of the Old Galt Bottle Shop, Robert Quilty, says it was around 9:30 p.m. when he first noticed something was wrong.

“I didn't see any flames, but it was just like billowing out black smoke and it seemed to be getting worse,” Quilty told CTV News.

“I thought it was a gust of wind or like a brush of dust or something blowing by. And then I was like, ‘that seemed strange.’ And then as I pulled around the corner, I realized there was a ton of smoke coming out of the building.”

Quilty sprung into action and called 911.

Arson investigation

In a post on social media, the Cambridge Fire Department confirms the fire is now being treated as an arson investigation.

Waterloo regional police and investigators from the Offic Fire Marshal were on scene Saturday as the investigation continued.

“Witnesses who observed the fire and contacted police also observed two individuals fleeing the scene when the fire started,” Waterloo Regional Police Service Const. Brad Hickey said.

Hickey said there were tenants inside the building during the fire, but they were able to safely evacuate.

“There were no physical injuries reported as a result of this incident.”

Police are asking anyone with more information to contact them as the investigation continues.