Massive Fire at the Woodstock Fairgrounds

Tuesday, 1 September 2020 20:05

One of the barns at the Woodstock Fairgrounds is fully engulfed in flames right now on Nellis Street.

UPDATE: Normally the Woodstock Fairgrounds would be filled with midway rides and happy families this time of year. Last night it was full of spectators who watched one of the beloved barns on the property burn to a crisp.

Woodstock Police have arrested a 46 year old man on two counts of arson and damage to property after a massive fire at the Woodstock Fairgrounds on Tuesday night.

Police, Fire and EMS were called to the fairgrounds around 6:45 pm on Tuesday. The Canine Unit was brought in to track down a suspected arsonist, while fire crews battled the flames. The fire completely destroyed one of the barns on the property and caused damage to some of the nearby structures as well.

Officer Striker and General Patrol officers were able to locate and the suspect in the area of Dundas and Huron Streets after the man fled the Nellis Street area. Several photo's of the arrest have been posted on Facebook pages in Woodstock.

Police did not release the man's name this morning. He is being held for a bail hearing later today.

Woodstock Police Service’s Criminal Investigation Unit are working in partnership with the Ontario Fire Marshal and Woodstock Fire Inspector on both of these arson investigations. Police will be on scene throughout the day today along with the Woodstock Police Forensics Identification unit and ask that the public please avoid the area. It is estimated the two fires caused millions of dollars in damages.

The Woodstock Police Service would like to encourage anyone having information about this investigation to contact the Woodstock Police Service at 519-537-2323 or Crime Stoppers 421-TIPS (8477) or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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WOODSTOCK - Nellis Street is closed as firefighters battle a massive blaze at the Woodstock Fairgrounds.

One of the barns inside the fairgrounds is fully engulfed in flames. This is a developing story and we will provide you with more information as soon as it becomes available. Please avoid the area and let firefighters do their job.