Fire crews battle blaze at historic home, Friday

Journal staff Fire crews battled a blaze at a historic home at the corner of Christina and Maxwell streets in Sarnia, Friday.

Journal staff

Fire crews battled a blaze at a historic home at the corner of Christina and Maxwell streets in Sarnia, Friday.

Smoke was seen billowing from the property – once home to MIG Engineering – as police closed the roadway between London Road and Nelson Street, advising residents to avoid the area for several hours.

Sarnia Fire Rescue says crews responded around 7 a.m.; the structure suffered extensive damage, and no injuries were reported. Fire Prevention Officers are currently investigating.

According to the City of Sarnia’s Heritage Registry, the two-storey brick home was built in 1908, originally owned by John M. Diver.

It was later owned by the late Marty Raaymakers, who had served as president and CEO of MIG Engineering. The prominent businessman and community builder passed away in 2020.