(Township of Southwold, ON) – Elgin County OPP is currently investigating a grass/brush fire and theft of copper wire from the former Ford Plant property on Colonel Talbot Rd, Southwold. Police, London and Southwold Fire Departments responded to a grass/brush fire on the property on the 24th of June, 2021 at approximately 1:52am when passerby saw flames and reported the fire.
As a result of the investigation it was revealed that someone had intentionally cut down a hydro pole with three transformers on it. A section of copper wire was the stolen from the downed lines, this also resulted in the sparking wires/transformers causing a large grass/brush fire. The fires was quickly extinguished by the area fire services and no injuries were reported. An estimated value of damages and theft has not yet been compiled.
Police are looking for the public’s assistance and anyone with information regarding the person(s) responsible for this theft and subsequent fire should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.