On Thursday October 9, the village of Lakefield suffered a devastating fire that rocked the community.
In the afternoon, around 2 o’clock, a fire started in the upstairs apartment areas of the Home Hardware Building on Queen Street in Lakefield.
This fire was the second one of that day, happening after an early morning hood vent fire at Free Topping Pizza, also on Queen Street.
Fire Fighters worked tirelessly for days putting out the blaze at Home Hardware.
Selwyn Township staff also worked around the clock to update residents about what roads were opened and where they were able to go during the chaos of the day.
They advised residents that due to the significant structural fire in the Village of Lakefield, Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street was to be closed to all traffic during the day. Other street closures included Water Street from Bridge Street to Concession Street to allow fire crews to draw water from the Otonabee River and the public was asked to avoid the area.
The Office of the Fire Marshall was called in however, due to the severity of the fire and the dangers it posed, neither firefighters nor the Fire Marshal were able to enter the building.
Due to the nature of the fire and how fast it spread, many neighboring departments were called in to assist in extinguishing the blaze.
Fire crews from the townships of Douro-Dummer, Cavan-Monaghan, Otonabee-South Monaghan, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Peterborough Fire Services all came to help. The Peterborough Police Service and the Peterborough County-City Paramedics were also on scene.
Fire crews were on scene throughout the night and the next day. By October 10, the fire was contained though roads still remained closed with the exception of Water Street to Bridge Street being reopened to traffic.
Businesses on Queen Street were able to open on the Friday and residents were able to cautiously revisit the main street. The Lakefield IDA Pharmacy was the only businesses unable to open to the public over the weekend due to their proximity to the Home Hardware building.
The IDA was offering back door prescription pickups for their customers on Saturday.
During the long hours of fire suppression and damage control members from the Salvation Army, County City Peterborough Disaster Supports, local businesses, and residents came together to provide food, refreshments, and encouragement to those working to contain the fire and those affected by the fire.
On Saturday October 11, when the fire was out, demolition started of the remaining Home Hardware structure. According to a press release from the township, applications for the demolition permits were submitted on Saturday, and due to the immediate need, the Selwyn Building Department was able to issue the permits the same day.
The release said that Priestly Demolition Inc. advised the Township that the work is being completed in a controlled and strategic manner using equipment designed to minimize disruption. Material is being handled with a grappler, which will carefully grab and place debris into bins. Vibration impacts are not expected, and dust will be minimal as the material remains saturated with water from firefighting activities. The demolition is being directed by engineering professionals and supervised by Priestly staff from a boom truck stationed above the work site. The area has been fenced off to ensure public safety and Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street; and Burnham Street from Queen Street to Charlotte Street remain closed.
Mayor Sherry Senis said, “This has been an incredibly difficult few days for the community of Lakefield,” “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by these tragic events. We extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders, township staff, and community members who have shown such compassion and resilience during this challenging time.”
While the Home Hardware building in Lakefield is no longer there, they are committed to rebuilding. During the process, the Kawartha Home Hardware team will be stocking the Lakefield Home Building Centre with additional inventory to compensate for the loss of their hardware store as well as ensuring all materials and services are offered through their Bridgenorth store as well.
Emily Hoogsteen, advertising coordinator for the Home Hardware group, said “Our thoughts and support are with everyone in our community who have been affected — especially those who have lost their homes or beloved pets. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the brave firefighters, first responders, and emergency crews who continue to work tirelessly throughout the day and night to contain the blaze and protect our town. Your courage and dedication mean more than words can express. We also want to thank those who provided food and drink to emergency workers. It means so much. To our incredible staff, thank you for your strength and support through this difficult time. And to our loyal customers and community — your kindness, messages, and offers of help remind us what makes Lakefield such a special place. Though our store is gone, our spirit is not. We’ll continue serving you through our Bridgenorth Home Hardware location and our Home Building Centre - Lakefield, and we’re committed to rebuilding — stronger, better, and together.”
