Empty building in Old East Village target of arson for second time in 2 months

The London Fire Department said there were no reported injuries in a suspicious vacant building fire in the city's east-end that was the target of another fire in September. 

Emergency crews were called to the two-storey multi-unit building at 737 Dundas Street at around 10:50 a.m. Wednesday. Firefighters were able to knock down a substantial fire on the third floor, said Platoon Chief Kirk Loveland, and proceed to conduct search operations.  

"They gotta make sure they get all the hidden fires under control," said Loveland. "It's stubborn because it's an old building and dangerous condition, so we want to make sure everybody's safe." 

Dundas Street will be closed between Adelaide Street and Rectory, he said, as the work continues throughout the day. 

It's too soon to know the exact cause, however the fire has been deemed suspicious. 

"It's a vacant building and there's no reason why the fire should have started," said Loveland. "So we'll investigate and determine what the origin, cause and circumstances of this fire are." 

A similar fire broke out at the same location on Sept. 5. Damage to the building from that incident is estimated at upwards of $800,000. 

London police are asking the public for help in the investigation into that fire. They're asking anyone who may have dash-cam footage, video surveillance or any information at all in relation to a suspect male to contact them.