It took less than 24 hours for investigators to determine the cause of a massive fire that destroyed a business in Hagersville – about the same amount of time it took to fully extinguish the flames.
Fire broke out around 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Clear Blue Solvents, a company which makes products that are used to contain spills in lakes.
The fire created a thick plume of black smoke, which was visible from neighbouring Cayuga, more distant Simcoe, and even some areas outside Brantford – more than 40 kilometres away.
“I thought it was another tire fire,” said Delbert Hiltz, referencing the mammoth 1990 fire that burned for 17 days, consuming 14 million tires.
Every firefighter in Haldimand County was called in, as well as crews from Norfolk County and Hamilton.
In total, there were about 70 firefighters battling the flames.
It is believed the fire began when bags of shredded rubber spontaneously combusted outside the facility.
The flames then extended to the building itself – which, being mainly made of wood, collapsed within 20 minutes.
Damage to the business is estimated at $5 million.
The Ministry of Environment was also called to the scene to test the local air and water for possible pollution.
Initial tests did not show any reason for people to be concerned, fire officials said.
With reporting by Leena Latafat
