Firefighters arrived to find heavy black smoke and the roof of the building on Queen Street engulfed in flames. The plant has been vacant for years.
Video shows a large fire at an industrial plant in downtown Bowmanville overnight, with thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the unoccupied building.
Clarington Emergency and Fire Services said they responded to a fire shortly after midnight on Monday at the former Goodyear Lands at 45 Raynes Ave., near Queen Street and Liberty Street South.
Deputy Fire Chief Randy Cowan said fire crews found heavy black smoke and large flames coming off the roof when they arrived.
He added the “significant” fire caused the building to partially collapse on the north side.
No one was inside of the building at the time, Cowan said, and the blaze is currently under control. It is unclear what caused the fire.
He said the fire has not spread to adjacent areas.
Clarington Fire is asking residents to stay away from the area for their safety.
“There is no risk to air quality at this time; however, sections of the building are unstable. Fire crews are expected to stay on site for the remainder of the day,” they said in a statement.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
Durham Regional Police said they assisted with traffic management and evacuation of some nearby residences.
The fire is now under control, and crews remain on site to monitor smoke conditions and ensure the area is safe.