A growing number of fires in vacant buildings across London is raising alarms for firefighters and nearby businesses, as more people seek shelter from the cold.
Just after midnight, London fire crews were called to a vacant building on Hamilton Road, where they were met with heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof.
Employees at neighbouring businesses said the fire is the latest example of an ongoing problem they believe is putting their safety and livelihoods at risk.
“There were big flames coming out of the roof,” said Patricia Lima, an employee at the London Portuguese Bakery next door.
“We don’t feel safe with the building being vacant because it affects our business — the smell, and the unsafe people coming in and out.”
Fire officials said the incident is part of a broader pattern, with vacant buildings increasingly being used as shelter during cold weather.
Earlier this month, two fires tore through the former Kent Brewery, followed by another fire last week inside a vacant bank on Dundas Street.
“These vacant building fires are very dangerous for our crews,” said London Fire Department Platoon Chief Colin Shewell.
“Not to mention the individuals who may be inside. We still have to do a primary and secondary search to make sure everyone is safe.”
Business owners along Hamilton Road said they are frustrated and concerned, adding that this is not the first time they’ve dealt with the issue.
“People are sheltering in these vacant places because they are cold,” said Paula Drick, owner of Ideas Hair Styling.
“They set up fires to stay warm, and now we are at risk of burning down too.”
Drick said business owners want long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
“The city should address this,” she said.
“When it’s time to pay taxes, I pay taxes too. It’s not free to be here on Hamilton Road. It’s been great to me since I came to Canada 35 years ago. I love it here, and I want to keep it that way.”
On Monday, a city council committee will consider letters from councillors regarding current cold weather guidelines, including expanding homeless shelter capacity and opening additional warming centres.