A late-night fire on November 28th has devastated the historic Wortley Village area of London, Ontario, leaving behind significant damage estimated at more than $2 million. Fire departments were alerted to the blaze, which erupted at approximately 12:30 AM at the intersection of Wortley Road and Bruce Street, involving multiple businesses and residential units above them.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames engulfing the structure. It took the combined efforts of eight crews and two aerial firefighting trucks to bring the situation under control. Miraculously, there have been no reported injuries, but the aftermath has been devastating for the community.
Many local business owners spent the early hours of Thursday assessing the damage to their establishments. Sharinne Snellen, owner of Sha Choix, expressed her heartbreak over the destruction of her jewelry and gift shop, stating, "It's lots of water and the ceiling is down, so there's nothing we can do now." With the holiday season fast approaching, Snellen noted the unfortunate timing, as her business was gearing up for the busy Christmas period, especially with the upcoming "Christmas in the Village" event.
Meanwhile, Al Stewart, who runs the Westland Gallery, shared his experience of the frightening event. "I got a call at 1 AM from a neighbour saying the building beside mine was on fire, and when I came down, there were flames shooting out of the roof," he recounted. Fortunately, the gallery itself sustained only minor damage, but Stewart described the chaos of the night as firefighters battled the flames amid relentless smoke.
Elizabeth Iles, who lives across the street, witnessed the fire from her apartment. "I heard this crackling and I thought something's going on... I saw this orange-gold light coming through my windows," she related. Iles described how the fire raged for hours, lighting up the night sky and leaving residents fearing for their safety.
Two families residing above the affected businesses have been displaced and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross. Local authorities, including the London Police Service and the Ontario Fire Marshal, have launched investigations as the fire has been deemed suspicious. This event is prompting conversations about the safety of other aging structures within the historic district.
Certainly, the emotional toll on the business owners is substantial. Sharinne Snellen recalled, "This is horrible; it’s right before Christmas,” and expressed uncertainty about her store's future. She lamented having to possibly relocate her operations, whether to find another storefront or operate from her home.
The intersection is known for its longstanding history, with buildings dating back to as early as 1886. This isn’t the first tragedy to strike Wortley Village; over the past year, another historic site—the Black Walnut Café—was destroyed by arson, marking its second fire incident involving significant heritage buildings. Mike Dalglish, a local resident and frequent visitor to nearby shops, commented, "Now we’ve lost another key component of the Old South District, and it’s just a shame,” reflecting the sentiments of many who value this unique community.
Despite the grim situation, some business owners, like Stewart, are attempting to remain optimistic: "It doesn't look nearly as bad as it could have been." While assessing the damage revealed concerns, such as smoke smells and waterlogged basements, the gallery was fortunate compared to some neighboring stores.
The collective mood of the community is one of resilience; there's hope to rebuild not just from the ashes of businesses lost, but also to reinforce the iconic charm of Wortley Village. Local residents are rallying to support their neighborhood and help those directly affected. With town meetings and community events, plans to raise funds and offer support are already underway, showcasing the strength of community spirit even amid tragedy.
Officials expect Wortley Road to remain closed for the coming days as investigations continue and repairs are assessed. Residents and business owners await updates on the investigation and the future of their beloved village, hoping to recover from this unfortunate incident soon. The community's solidarity reflects the deep-rooted connections among its members, emphasizing the enduring spirit of Wortley Village.
