Arson suspects sought after fire on Giles Boulevard

Investigators believe the dramatic fire that resulted in columns of smoke over the 300 block of Giles Boulevard East on Wednesday was deliberately set.

Windsor police said Thursday they are now seeking two males as suspects in what is being considered a case of arson.

Police officers and firefighters responded around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday to a report of smoke and flames emanating from the commercial building at 375 Giles Blvd. E.

The building was vacant at the time: The large one-story structure was formerly the location of the Mission Thrift Store, but the business moved to the Roundhouse Centre on Howard Avenue in October 2022.

The fire appeared to be concentrated in the warehouse section of building, at the rear of the property.

It took Windsor Fire and Rescue Services multiple trucks and aerial ladders to deal with the situation. The fire was declared extinguished shortly before 4 p.m.

Damage to the building has been estimated in the range of $500,000 to $1 million. No one was hurt.

According to Windsor police, two men were seen leaving the location in a U-Haul truck when the fire began.

The U-Haul truck turned out to be stolen. Police said it has since been located and seized as evidence.

Residents and property owners in the area of Giles Boulevard East who are equipped with surveillance cameras or dashcams are asked to check their recordings for potential evidence — particularly during the time period of 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29.

Anyone with further information about this incident is encouraged to contact investigators at 519-255-6700 ext. 4330.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.