A large brush fire on the grounds of the former Ford plant on Colonel Talbot Road was caused by copper thieves, according to provincial police.
Elgin OPP determined someone intentionally cut down a hydro pole with three transformers attached to it outside of the old plant shortly before 2 a.m. on Thursday.
A section of copper wire was cut from the downed lines. That caused sparks to fly from the wires and transformers, igniting the grassy patch of land. A passerby spotted the flames and called emergency crews.
Firefighters from Southwold Township and London quickly extinguished the blaze and no one was hurt.
A damage estimate has not yet been released.
Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to call them at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- 8477 (TIPS).
