Windsor firefighters remain at the scene of the former Wickes Windsor Bumper Manufacturing Plant in the city’s east end, as the investigation into what caused a massive blaze gets underway.
Crews were called to the scene Wednesday evening. It would take firefighters nearly 12 hours to extinguish the fire. The Ontario Fire Marshal has been contacted to investigate.
A section of Tecumseh Road East near Lauzon Parkway was closed to traffic after a massive blaze broke out at the vacant factory.
Heavy black smoke could be seen moving southwest from the fire in the 9100 block of Tecumseh Road East and residents in the area were asked to take shelter.
Authorities asked residents to the southwest to close their windows and turnoff their air conditioners.
Lee Tome, spokesperson with Fire Services, says that request has since been lifted.
Crowds of people gathered to watch as firefighters battled the blaze and officials had to ask onlookers to move away.
Tome says no chemicals were inside the building and that the heavy smoke was due to the asphalt roof.
Officials say the plant is owned by the City of Windsor, but haven't confirmed if the fire is suspicious.
No injuries have been reported.
