Just before 10 p.m. Wednesday, the blaze broke out at Cotrac Ford Lincoln on Currie Road. The showroom was fully engulfed in flames when fire crews arrived. Firefighters from Central Elgin, Southwold and West Elgin departments provided assistance throughout the night.
An aerial truck and tanker from Central Elgin’s Port Stanley station were called in around 11 p.m. explained Central Elgin acting fire chief Murray DeCorte.
Because of the heavy smoke and the danger of flames spreading to a nearby apartment building just west of the dealership, the residents were evacuated, advised Dutton Dunwich interim CAO Don MacLeod.
Residents returned to their units around 5 a.m.
Mayor Mike Hentz observed, “Cotrac has been a valued part of our community — not only as a place of business, but as an integral part of Dutton’s downtown core. Our hearts go out to the owners, employees, and their families during this difficult time. We know how much this loss hurts, and we stand with you.”
Crews remained on the scene throughout the night and Currie Road, the main throughfare through Dutton, remained closed Thursday afternoon from Mary Street to Miller Road for the ongoing investigation.
Written by: I. McCallum