A large contingent of firefighters continue to battle a blaze that erupted at a Northumberland County Housing Corporation apartment complex at 8 King St. W. in Colborne.
Township of Cramahe Fire Chief Matt Halmasy says crews responded to the scene at about 4 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 30 in response to reports of a structure fire.
He tells us what crews were met with when they first arrived early this morning.
“We were able to get firefighters inside to start a primary search, but then we had to pull them out because the fire had changed dramatically and … we had to back the firefighters out,” continues Halmasy.
The two-storey, multi-residential unit has about 20 units inside, and about 23 residents were living inside, according to initial reports.
At press deadline, officials were still trying to account for all residents.
Brighton, Alnwick/Haldimand and Trent Hills are also at the scene helping Cramahe battle the blaze, translating to easily more than 30 firefighters working this still active – but under control –fire as of mid-morning.
Down the street at the Keeler Centre, the township has set up the space as an evacuation centre for displaced tenants, and anyone affected by the large plumes of smoke in the downtown Colborne area. (The Keeler Centre is located at 80 Division St.)
MBC asked Halmasy if all of the residents had been accounted for, and he says currently this is still unknown.
“At this point in time, we’re not able to make that determination.”
Northumberland County also posted online earlier today that county officials were on scene and working to confirm the location of all tenants.
“Our thoughts are with all the tenants at this time, and we thank emergency services for their rapid response,” reads the post. “We will share more information as it becomes available.”
Halmasy says it’s also been a very “challenging fire” because of the extreme cold and water supply issues, which has been compounded by a water main break downtown.
“We were able to set up a rural water supply to help offset the water shortage due to the water main break.”
Lakefront Utilities has also since issued an alert about the break, asking residents to limit water usage at this time and until further notice to help the fire department.
The company says crews are responding and doing what they can to assess and address the situation, and that officials hope to provide an update by 2 p.m. (Residents are especially asked to avoid using major appliances like dishwashers or washing machines until service is restored.)
Halmasy says crews will be on scene for a long while yet, noting a significant amount of overhaul will be needed. The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has also been called in to investigate.
Northumberland OPP is also on scene and asking people to avoid the area and has the roadway shut down between the Church Street West and Division area (west and south of the park.) Percy Street is still open.
There’s been no determination on a cause at this point – and it’s likely going to be difficult to determine a cause – but Halmasy says fire alarms were working and alerted the residents.
Simply put, it’s expected the building will be entirely ravaged and destroyed by the fire.
A couple of firefighters at the scene earlier today were also sent to Northumberland Hills Hospital for observation at this point. Halmasy says there’s been no serious injuries.
This is a developing story, and MBC will provide updates when more information becomes available.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
