Date of Incident: 2025-01-17
Time of Call: 02:50
Address of Incident: 260 Main Street Bothwell
Responding Stations: Station #8 - Thamesville
Station #9 - Bothwell
Station #10 - Orford
Station #11 - Ridgetown
Type of Incident: Structure Fire
Type of Building: Commerical
Comments on cause: At 02:47 hours on January 17, 2025, dispatch received a 911 call from a resident of Bothwell stating there was large flames from a building on Main Street. Station #9 - Bothwell arrived on scene within 6 minutes to find a well developed fire in a building spreading to adjoining buildings. Assistance was called from Station #10 - Highgate, Station #8 - Thamesville and Station #11 - Ridgetown to fight the fire in demanding conditions due to the involvement of a natural gas feed and the freezing temperatures.
Further assistance was brought to the scene with the Command Unit from Chatham and the rehabilitation shelters along with Chatham-Kent EMS who sent medics to the scene to monitor the team and be on standby for any injuries. Under the Command of Assistant Chief Adam Walters, the fire was brought under control, but it had severely damaged three buildings including a restaurant, a general store and the towns post office. Demolition was required to fully extinguish the hotspots and to make the structures safe for operations.
Further support to the incident was provided by the Chatham-Kent Police Service and Chatham-Kent Public Works staff who closed off the roads and maintained salting to prevent the water run off freezing. Engineers from Entegrus isolated hydro to the vicinity and Enbridge engineers were able to shut off the gas supplies to the affected buildings. Early this morning, staff from Chatham-Kent Economic Development team attended to support the owners of the affected businesses and CK Fire Investigators investigated of the cause of the fire. Based on statements taken at the scene the cause has been determined accidently.
There is no loss value at this time. There were no injuries reported.
“Once again we see the determination of our local firefighters who attend emergencies around the clock to protect their community, their families and neighbours,” explains Fire Chief Chris Case. “This was a huge team effort from a large number of agencies coming to deal with the danger and support those affected and is testimony to the dedication of all our teams. I extend my thanks and respect for their efforts to contain this fire in challenging circumstances”.
This incident once again demonstrates the dangers of fire. CKFR recommends ensuring your home and businesses are protected by having working alarms. The impact of commercial fires can be devastating; both in terms of property damage and loss of business. A business continuity plan helps businesses prepare for and respond to disruptions, including fires. A BCP can help a business continue operating during a disruption and recover quickly.
Name of Person Releasing Information: Whitney Burk
Name of Contact Person For More Information: Fire Chief Chris Case
Phone Number: 519-436-3270
