Two fires and cold front challenge Madawaska Valley firefighters

A structure fire in Barry’s Bay on Feb. 2 and a second blaze on Feb. 3 in Combermere not only resulted in extensive damage to one building, but the second structure fire resulted in the complete destruction of a residence. 

A 9-1-1 call was made to report a structure fire at 5:34 p.m. on Thursday in the 100 Block of Pinecrest Avenue in Barry’s Bay. Madawaska Valley Fire Department (MVFD) firefighters were on scene within five minutes and were able to contain the blaze to keep it from spreading to any other structures in the area. 

Upon arrival firefighters could see smoke coming from inside the building along with  flames from the interior of the building. The crew had to deal with fire inside the walls of the structure and the ceiling. 

They were able to bring it under control within 20 minutes after their arrival.  

A total of 21 volunteer fire fighters responded to the call using three pumpers and a rescue vehicle were used by both the Barry’s Bay Fire Department and the Combermere Fire Department.  

The building sustained serious damage and there was no insurance on the building. Damage to the building is estimated to be about $5,000. Both the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office were contacted in regards to the fire. 

Total loss In Combermere 

On Friday, firefighters from both halls of the MVFD (Barry’s Bay and Combermere) were dispatched to a fire on Annie Mayhew Road in Combermere.  

It took 25 firefighters from the MVFD and four firefighters from the other departments to successfully contain the large cottage fire. The property, owned by Neil Enright, was not occupied at the time. 

On arrival, they found the house fully engulfed in flames and called for mutual assistance from the Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan (BLR) Fire Department. It was quite a challenge for the 29 firefighters as they deployed two MV pumpers, two MV tankers, two BLR tankers, and an MV rescue truck in the operation.  

One of the major difficulties the crews faced was the bitter cold temperatures that hovered around –28 C and a wind chill of –41 C. Another challenge for firefighters was the presence of propane tanks, but luckily, they did not play a factor in regards to the structure fire and it was insured. 

According to MVFD fire chief Corwin Quade, this was the first major fire-related loss of a structure in almost three years. 

Chief Quade also took the opportunity to remind anyone if they suspect a fire, it should be reported immediately. People should also be reminded the majority of rural fire departments are staffed by volunteers within their communities and when they are dispatched to an incident, they are allowed to activate a green flashing light while driving. 

The light is intended to allow quicker and safe passage for the first responder and motorists are reminded to move to the shoulder of the road to allow the vehicle to pass just as they would for either an ambulance, police vehicle or fire truck.