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A weekend fire at Algoma Steel has prompted United Steelworkers Local 2251 to renew demands for better security at employee parking lots.

The incident demonstrated that thefts of catalytic converters are more than a crime against property, Local 2251 president Mike Da Prat says.

They can also threaten the lives of unsuspecting victims.

Around 5 p.m. on Sunday, an Algoma Steel employee left the plant and approached the company-owned parking lot near the #1 gate off Patrick Street.

About 100 yards from the parking gate, the employee activated his truck’s remote starter.

When he arrived at his vehicle, it was engulfed in flames.

The vehicle was subsequently found to have had its catalytic converter removed, with three cuts that also appeared to have severed a gasoline line, Da Prat says.

"Everybody thought that the loss of a catalytic converter was simply vandalism," Da Prat tells SooToday.

"No one realized that a fire can be started because fuel lines can be cut."

"Had he not used the remote starter, the issue could have been catastrophic for him."

"This could happen in the Station Mall parking lot, to a mother with her children in the car."

"It's mandatory that this incident be highlighted throughout the news media, of what can actually happen with the threat of these catalytic converters," Da Prat says.

The steel mill worker asked Da Prat that his name not appear in media reports because of concerns about his employment.

But his mother has started a letter-writing campaign on behalf of her son and other Algoma Steel employees.

"Over the past couple of weeks, there have been issues of people stealing catalytic converters of employees' cars parked at the employer's (your) parking lots," the mother says in a letter sent to Algoma Steel president Michael Garcia, with copies to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford and Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.

"It happens, and we all understand those things happen. You were aware of this, and you had cameras. You did nothing to step up security to ensure the safety of the employees."

"My son got off a night shift tired and started his car. The car caught fire. His catalytic converter had been taken through the night, and they had severed the gas line. I am so grateful that he got out and was not hurt. A vehicle can be replaced, but I cannot get my son back."

"I ask you, what if any employee left work early that night ill or if my son had left early in the night? What would those thieves have done to them? Why did you not do your due diligence when the problem arose and have security out in the lots?"

"I have already lost a brother in your workplace in one of the worst industrial accidents there; I should lose a son in the parking lot because you did not follow up on an ongoing issue?"

Da Prat says a dozen catalytic converter thefts have occurred in Algoma Steel parking lots in recent months.

He says he's been pushing the company for better parking lot security, including fencing and a gate system to ensure only employees can enter the property.

"And they refused," he said.

"We, like other employers and commercial establishments, are concerned by the increasing frequency of theft from vehicles in our parking lots," Brenda Stenta, Algoma Steel's manager of communications and branding, told SooToday on Monday evening.

"We have invested in the installation of additional security cameras, more fencing, more lighting and a greater frequency of patrols to mitigate these crimes."

"As well, we are working with Sault Ste. Marie Police in continuing to look for other effective means to thwart criminals and enhance lot security," Stenta said.

About the Author: David Helwig