Major Blaze Erupts in Downtown Hawkesbury
A significant apartment fire in downtown Hawkesbury has left approximately 30 residents displaced after flames tore through the building in the middle of the night. The incident occurred on Saturday night around midnight, sending emergency crews scrambling to the scene.
Emergency Response and Firefighting Efforts
The fire originated on the third floor of the building located on Portelance Avenue. Upon arrival, first responders discovered the structure already engulfed in flames. Firefighters immediately focused their efforts on containing the fast-moving fire and preventing its spread to adjacent areas.
Under the regional mutual-aid agreement, the Hawkesbury Fire Department received crucial support from fire services in l'Orignal, East Hawkesbury, Grenville, and Brownsburg-Chatham. This collaborative effort was essential in managing the large-scale incident. Meanwhile, Vankleek Hill firefighters provided coverage for other emergency calls in the area during the Portelance Avenue blaze.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
In a positive development amid the destruction, the United Counties of Prescott-Russell confirmed that all residents are now safe and have received assistance following the fire. While some tenants experienced smoke inhalation, no serious injuries have been reported, though Ontario Provincial Police noted there were some minor injuries related to the incident.
An official investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway through cooperation between the OPP and Hawkesbury Fire, with support from neighboring fire services. Portelance Avenue, which was closed during the emergency response, reopened to traffic on Sunday morning as cleanup and investigation efforts continue.
