Two homes have been left with significant damage after an overnight fire in southwest London.
London firefighters were called to the blaze on Westdale Avenue near Wharncliffe Road South around 2:20 a.m. on Friday. London police noticed the fire as they were searching the area after they got a report about a suspicious person.
"Upon arrival, there was a pool shed that was on fire and that fire had spread to two homes at 9 and 7 Westdale Avenue," said Deputy Fire Chief Jack Burt.
Smoke filled the air and flames were visible from the street. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Damage to one home is estimated to be $350,000, while damage to the other home is pegged at $50,000.
"Police have not yet confirmed any connection between the suspicious person and the fire," police said in a news release issued Friday. "However, due to the nature of this incident, the LPS Street Crime Unit will be continuing the investigation and treating the fire as suspicious at this time." According to police, the suspicious person was described as a man wearing dark clothing. No other identifying features were reported to police.
The Ontario Fire Marshal was expected to arrive on scene later Friday morning.
