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Fire Marshal mum on cause of Midland fire, explosion

While OFM officials are no longer on the scene of last week's incident, their investigation 'remains ongoing,' spokesman says

The Office of the Fire Marshall has concluded its onsite investigation into a fire and explosion that destroyed a Midland business last week.

“OFM (Office of the Fire Marshall) investigators are no longer on the site however the investigation remains ongoing and as such we cannot comment further on the details until the investigation is complete,” OFM spokesman Sean Driscoll said.

“OFM investigators arrived on the scene on Nov. 10 and released the scene on Nov. 14.”

Investigators were dispatched to the area on County Road 93 after a morning fire and explosion destroyed Speedy Auto Glass and caused significant damage to the adjacent Victory Lube location. There’s also a Midas outlet in the area that's just off the corner of Yonge Street and County Road 93.

One person was injured, according to Southern Georgian Bay OPP Insp. Joseph Evans.

At the time, Evans said they suspect the fire may have started from a gas leak and that the explosions were caused by propane tanks exploding in the small commercial plaza that's home to three vehicle repair shops.

Driscoll declined to address that possibility, but instead noted two fire investigators, a forensic fire protection engineer, members of the Emergency Preparedness Response and Quality Assurance Risk Management units attended the site and commenced an investigation.

As well, Driscoll couldn’t say when the investigation might be complete.

“Unfortunately there is no general length of time for an investigation as every incident has its own unique challenges and set of circumstances,” Driscoll said.

“The investigation will be complete when it is deemed so by OFM investigators.”



Andrew Philips

About the Author: Andrew Philips

Editor Andrew Philips is a multiple award-winning journalist whose writing has appeared in some of the country’s most respected news outlets. Originally from Midland, Philips returned to the area from Québec City a decade ago.
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