A fire at an abandoned former private hospital in Penetanguishene has been deemed suspicious.
Richard Renaud, who serves as joint fire chief and director of emergency services for both Midland and Penetanguishene, says the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) has been notified, but will not be attending.
"This fire is considered a suspicious fire," Renaud told Village Media. "Once we deem it suspicious, the police take over care of the property and the investigation. OFM would only then attend if requested by police."
Renaud said his department received a call at about 1:20 p.m. on Monday about a structure fire at 58 Church St.
"On arrival, crews were met with a well involved structure fire in an abandoned building," he said. "The main body of fire was on the second floor. The structure was not secure on our arrival."
There were no injuries to civilians or first-responders, the chief added.
The afternoon fire that resulted in a total loss diverted traffic throughout the town as police closed a number of roads in the area until 8:30 p.m.
Renaud said Penetanguishene firefighters received support from departments in Midland and Tiny Township with the Southern Georgian Bay OPP officers and Simcoe County paramedics also attending the scene.
Renaud said the scene was turned over to the police Monday night shortly before 11 p.m.
This isn't the first time fire crews have been called to the property, however.
In May, they quelled another suspicious fire that remains under investigation. That time, a working sprinkler system limited damage at the vacant building.
The property once housed the Beechwood private hospital.
In a later release, the OPP noted the current arson investigation is being conducted by members of the OPP Central Region Crime Unit with the assistance of the OPP Central Region Forensic Identification Services.
Investigators would like to hear from anyone who may have observed any suspicious persons, activity or vehicles in the area of the fire scene during the hours before the fire. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at (888) 310-1122 . You can also report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers via the Internet or by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
