Downs Rd fire in Quinte West accidental

Quinte West Fire Chief John Whelan says the cause of a fire at a Downs Road business Wednesday afternoon was accidental.

Whelan says someone was working on a car at Best Canadian Auto Recycling at 83 Downs Road when some gasoline ignited.

Quinte West firefighters battle a blaze at a Downs Rd. auto wrecker, February 9, 2022. (Photo: John Whelan)

Black smoke and flames were seen coming from the front and the rear of the building when fire crews arrived.

“Fully involved with lots of dangerous goods inside with propane and fuel tanks exploding, so, we’ve got three stations, EMS, OPP and Hydro One have been called in.”

Enbridge was also on scene.

The call came in around 2:30 Wednesday afternoon.

By 4 p.m., firefighters had the flames under control.

Quinte West firefighters battle a blaze at a Downs Rd. auto wrecker, February 9, 2022. (Photo: John Whelan)

Chief Whelan expected crews to remain on scene until about 8 p.m. Wednesday evening.

There were no injuries.

Damages are estimated at $750,000.

Quinte West firefighters battle a blaze at a Downs Rd. auto wrecker, February 9, 2022. (Photo: John Whelan)