The Ontario Fire Marshalls Office is investigating after a blaze that destroyed a residence and a hangar at a property in Mapleton Township.
Just before 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, Wellington County OPP say they responded to a report of a fire at a residence at 7782 Wellington Road 11, about 5 kilometres west of Arthur.
Police say the 911 call was placed by the homeowners, who were returning to the residence.
Both the home and hangar were found to be fully engulfed in flames. Part of the hangar's roof collapsed due to the fire and thick, black smoke was billowing from the buildings.
Mapleton Township Fire Chief Rick Richardson says "The garage area is quite large, it's a residence with hangar attached to it. There was no airplane in the hangar, but it was quite hard to fight. It's a concrete structure with wood truss upper part and the fire spread through the upper part fairly rapidly."
Police say firefighters from several local departments including Drayton and Arthur responded to the scene, but both building were completely destroyed.
On Monday, fire crews continued to douse hotspots due to the intensity and extensive nature of the fire.
The cause of the fire has not been identified and the investigation, which could take several days, continues.
Wellington County OPP Cst. Keith Robb says "Because the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, we've called in the Ontario Fire Marshall's Office. They will take over the investigation and our Crime Unit will assist them in that investigation."
The large home was reportedly built about four years ago and included an indoor pool. The damage is estimated at over $1 million.
