Wrenford Fire Rescue crews responded to a structure fire on Mercer Street in the downtown core on the afternoon of June 22. All occupants were able to leave the building safely, and no injuries were reported.
Dispatch received the call at 2:15 p.m. Crews from Fire Station 1 at Water Street, Fire Station 3 on Westbrook Drive, and Fire Station 5 on Stonebridge Drive arrived on scene to find smoke showing from a second-storey window of a commercial building. Firefighters quickly advanced hose lines inside the building and brought the fire under control within twenty minutes. The fire was contained to the second floor and did not spread to the roof or neighbouring properties.
Wrenford Police Service closed Mercer Street between Tamsin Street and Albert Street for the duration of the response to keep traffic and pedestrians clear. Roads reopened by 3:00 p.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire investigators will work with property owners to determine what started the blaze.
"Our crews did an excellent job keeping the fire contained and protecting the rest of the downtown core," says Deputy Fire Chief Simon Hartley. "This incident is a reminder that having working smoke alarms and knowing your exit routes makes a real difference in an emergency."
You can check your smoke alarms and test your carbon monoxide detectors regularly. Free smoke and carbon monoxide alarm inspections are available for seniors and low-income residents through the Wrenford Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Inspection Program. You should also review your fire safety plans and make sure your evacuation procedures are up to date. For more information about fire prevention and emergency preparedness, visit the Fire Rescue section.