Northumberland County officials have confirmed that one individual is unaccounted for as more than 30 firefighters continue to work in extreme conditions to put out a blaze that broke out at an apartment complex at 8 King St. W. in Colborne early this morning (Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.)
As previously reported earlier this morning, emergency crews remain at the scene battling the stubborn blaze.
The fire is considered under control but has engulfed the 20-unit, two-storey Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC) apartment complex.
As previously reported, emergency crews rushed to the scene just after 4 a.m. today and were able to do a primary search inside the building initially and county officials have also been on the scene since early this morning working alongside first-responders to ensure tenant safety and provide support, while also trying to confirm the location of all tenants.
In a subsequent update, county staff confirmed that one individual is unaccounted for and also said paramedics had transported a total of four people to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, including three firefighters and one tenant.
“On behalf of the board of the Northumberland County Housing Corporation, I want to convey that our thoughts are with the family and friends of the individual yet unaccounted for as they wait for news of their loved one,” said chair Cathy Borowec. “I also wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the many tenants who have lost their homes, and to all those affected by this tragic incident.”
Staff confirmed that about 20 people have been displaced because of the fire.
Staff like Rebecca Snelgrove, general manager of the Northumberland County Housing Corporation and associate director of housing and homelessness for the county, are among those who’ve been working since the early morning hours to help tenants displaced.
MBC caught up with Snelgrove at the Keeler Centre earlier today.
“The building is still under the control of emergency services, so we stand by looking to support people as they need them,” added Snelgrove.
The Keeler Centre continues to be used as a temporary evacuation centre and partners with Red Cross and the Ontario Community Emergency Assistance Program (OCEAP) have also been called in and will be providing co-ordination support for the centre, explained staff, who noted about 15 people are using the centre currently, along with seven pet dogs and cats.
Snelgrove tells us more about what the work looks like right now.
“Social services caseworkers are onsite providing direct support to tenants, including assistance with immediate needs and next steps,” added county officials. “As many residents were forced to leave belongings behind, this includes co-ordinating access to phones so individuals can notify family and friends of their safety.”
Northumberland Paramedics community paramedicine service has also been tapped to provide non-emergency health supports onsite and the facilities teams has been helping transport residents to the centre and with purchases for immediate supplies like hygiene items, food, clothing and pet necessities.
Northumberland OPP continues to urge residents to avoid the area to give crews space to safely extinguish the fire and for public safety. Roads in the area are closed to support emergency operations.
Online Friday, Northumberland residents have been rallying looking for ways to help and donate. Residents who are looking to help are encouraged to reach out to Julie Kennedy through social services at 905-372-3329 ext. 2486 or email kennedyj@northumberland.ca.
However, in an online post, the county has asked the community to pause on donations until further needs are identified.
“On behalf of county Deputy Warden Mandy Martin (and) mayor of Cramahe Township, along with all members of county council, I want to share our deepest sympathies with all those affected by this terrible fire,” said Warden Bob Crate, in the county’s statement Friday. “During this incredibly difficult time, please know that your community stands with you in solidarity.”
Crate also went on to extend heartfelt thanks to the many residents, organizations and emergency crews that have come together in the wake of the fire. This included police, fire, and paramedics, who continue to work in extreme conditions, and partners from Red Cross and OCEAP and staff across Northumberland County and the Township of Cramahe, who’ve also been working to support tenants and families during this hour of need.
Meanwhile, Donna Rusaw Black Dress Catering, Downey’s Pharmacy, and the Colborne Food Bank also quickly co-ordinated this morning to provide food for first-responders and evacuees, added officials.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The county said it will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
MBC will have more to come on this story.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt, with files from Joseph Goden)
